The Language of Immigration and Politics
Whether consciously or not, our attitudes towards immigration are reflected in the words we use, causing those words to be contested. Moreover, the language we use to describe the world around us continuously evolves. A 2007 report from the National Science Foundation explains why:
Sometimes these changes seem to have little consequence, other times these shifts in language reflect much larger changes in attitudes and understanding across society. That is particularly true of the language used to describe immigrants and immigration. In conversation, people listen to the words others use to gain insight into their beliefs. Moreover, activists and partisans often use language to persuade others. Washington Post reporter David Nakamura captured some of the tension over the language of immigration in a recent column. It begins:
“I think it’s a way to define a problem,” Larson said. “We’re a nation of laws.”
“Aliens, in the public mind, are not a good thing,” Muñoz said.
Ideas for the Classroom
Educators might consider using Nakamura’s column to discuss the importance of language and the role it plays in shaping the way we understand and respond to a situation. Below are a few suggestions for the classroom:
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- As you read the column, note the language used by people on all sides of the immigration conversation. What differing words do people use to describe the same thing?
- Identify the people quoted in the column. What can you tell about their motivations from the way they are described in the article? Consider going beyond the text to learn more about the different people quoted. How do their divergent perspectives illustrate the importance of language in shaping immigration debates?
- Return to the lists of words used to describe aspects of the experience of immigration. What images do those words evoke? What is similar about the meaning of the words used by the different actors in the immigration discussion, what are the differences? You might want to refer to a dictionary or a thesaurus.
- How is language being used to shape the way people think and act in relation to immigration? What do you see as the relationship between the language we hear and the way we respond to an issue? How does language shape our behavior?
- Write a short essay or letter in response to the article on the relationship between language and the current immigration debates. How might language be used to build bridges?
- Different media outlets create style guides to set their editorial standards. Create your own style guide for journalists covering immigration. Explain your choices.