ERIC Number: EJ1403098
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2640-4524
EISSN: EISSN-2578-2568
Available Date: N/A
Challenging the Positionality of Western Mainstream English through the Implementation of Communication Action Statements
Journal of Communication Pedagogy, v7 p165-180 2023
Communication is the most powerful tool we have to challenge the plague of invisibility impacting our Indigenous communities. As we continue to challenge the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives touted by our institutions, we need to move beyond mission statements to "motion" (i.e., action required for meaningful transformation to take place) (Qassataq, Iñupiaq, 2022). To call attention to and name the silencing of language and knowledge systems outside of Western Mainstream English (WME), the present paper proposes the concept of Communication Action Statements (CAS). Based on place and space, CASs recognize, label, and affirm the negative effects of WME, as well as call attention to the silencing associated with the reinforcement of WME as the ideal form of communication. Moreover, CASs seek to normalize other knowledge systems outside of the rigid Western model that defines higher education. In conjunction with CASs, to initiate "motion," we provide four strategies to take action to move beyond acknowledgment and challenge the Communication discipline to continue working to decenter whiteness.
Descriptors: Language Attitudes, Indigenous Knowledge, Western Civilization, English, Whites, Indigenous Populations, Racism, Language Usage, Colonialism, Higher Education, Bilingualism, Code Switching (Language), Land Settlement, Position Papers
Central States Communication Association. University of Montevallo, Department of Communication, 75 College Drive, Station 6625, Montevallo, AL 35115. e-mail: csca.ed@gmail.com; Web site: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jcp/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A