The Poetry of Everyday Language | Julián Delgado Lopera | TED

The Poetics of Everyday Language

The Influence of Family on Language

• The speaker's passion for language was nurtured in their abuela's dining room, surrounded by vibrant women sharing stories and experiences.

• Describes the lively atmosphere with five aunts and their complaints about life, showcasing diverse expressions through gestures and invented words.

• Each woman narrates her story uniquely, highlighting individual word choices and rhythms; the speaker's mother remains silent while others express themselves energetically.

• The family hails from Colombia, known for its storytelling culture where creativity in language is celebrated, influencing the speaker’s own linguistic style.

Encountering Language Hierarchy

• Upon moving to Miami at age 15, the speaker faced a stark contrast in language dynamics that stifled their enthusiasm for expression.

• A pivotal moment occurred during an English class reading of "Romeo and Juliet," where fear of mispronunciation led to anxiety when called upon to read aloud.

• The laughter from peers after struggling with pronunciation created deep feelings of shame and isolation regarding their unique way of speaking.

Struggles with Identity and Acceptance

• The speaker recalls attempts to fit in by practicing pronunciation late into the night, feeling pressured by societal expectations around language use.

• Observations reveal that non-white students were often corrected harshly by teachers, indicating a broader issue of discrimination based on language proficiency.

Understanding Language as a Closed Circle

• Discusses how society views English as a closed circle where only 'correct' forms are accepted; deviations push speakers to the margins.

• This perspective creates a hierarchy that excludes many voices and ways of understanding the world, leading to social isolation for those who do not conform.

Impact on Personal Relationships

• The speaker reflects on witnessing their mother's struggle with English pronunciation at grocery stores, which diminished her confidence over time.

• Contrasts this with memories from Colombia where their mother was assertive; highlights how ridicule changed her demeanor in America.

The Power of Language and Identity in Marginal Spaces

Experiences with Language Discrimination

• The speaker shares personal experiences of being denied job opportunities due to their inability to speak "correct English," highlighting the prejudice against non-standard language use.

• They recount instances of ridicule from white writers in academic settings, questioning the legitimacy of Spanglish as literature, which reflects broader societal biases against mixed languages.

• Despite these challenges, the speaker finds beauty and connection in marginal spaces where language serves as a unifying force among those who share similar backgrounds.

Discovering Community Through Language

• The narrative shifts to San Francisco's "Esta Noche" gay Latino bar, where the speaker discovered a vibrant community that celebrates linguistic diversity and creativity.

• At this venue, they learned about the rich history of LGBT individuals creating new words that reflect their identities and experiences, showcasing how language can evolve within communities.

• The blending of Spanglish with queer slang illustrates a unique form of expression that transcends traditional gender categories and sexual orientations.

Celebrating Linguistic Diversity

• In this inclusive environment, various gender identities are embraced, allowing for an expansive vocabulary that reflects individual experiences without rigid definitions.

• The atmosphere is filled with joy and acceptance as attendees express themselves freely through both language and performance art, fostering a sense of belonging.

• Glitter becomes a metaphor for both self-expression and linguistic creativity; participants feel seen and valued within their community.

Challenging Normative Language Standards

• The speaker encourages reflection on personal language use as an indicator of belonging to specific social circles shaped by background and experience.

• They propose reimagining how we view different languages—not as separate entities but as interconnected forms that enrich our communication landscape.

• Imagining practical applications like bilingual legislation or educational materials infused with playful language could foster greater understanding and acceptance.

Inviting Change in Language Perception

• By embracing diverse ways of speaking—including Spanglish or queer slang—we can create more inclusive environments that celebrate rather than stigmatize linguistic differences.

• The call to action emphasizes suspending notions of "correct" speech to allow marginalized voices to rise up, recognizing the inherent value in varied expressions of identity.