Language Has Super Powers - Can Destroy Souls or Build Nations

Explore the transformative power of language in shaping societies and individual identities through this 16-minute TEDx talk by Professor Michel DeGraff. Delve into the colonial and post-colonial history of Haiti, examining how language has been used as a tool for both white supremacy and resistance against it. Learn about the importance of linguistic diversity and anti-racist approaches in linguistics, and understand the critical role of native languages in education and nation-building. Discover how embracing linguistic diversity can foster more inclusive and just societies worldwide. Gain insights into the challenges faced by Creole languages and their speakers, particularly in Haiti, and understand the broader implications for human rights and social justice. Examine the links between power-knowledge hierarchies and the representation of non-colonial languages in the Global South. Learn about the MIT-Haiti Initiative's efforts to democratize access to quality education through the use of Haitian Creole (Kreyòl) in Open Education Resources. Reflect on the Kreyòl saying "ToutMounSeMoun ki fè ToutLangSeLang" and its significance in promoting linguistic equality and human dignity.

Language has super powers: can destroy souls or build nations | Michel DeGraff | TEDxMIT Salon