11/05 Asynchronous class assignment

Language and embodiment

Throughout the quarter, we have discussed how language is not only “stored” or “located” in our minds, but also in our bodies and how these interact in different spaces, with the environment, and other people. Gloria Anzaldua, for example, talks about the bodily effects of language discrimination, and others, like Josefina Baez or the Gurumbé dancer, describe how memories are inscribed in their bodies through rhythm, music, language, etc. Language is thus located in the body as much as it is in the brain. Emotions and sensations also indicate that language is profoundly embodied and felt. 

For this activity, you will provide an example of your embodied language experiences or language practice. Your contributions will help us to theorize something that has been really difficult to grasp, as language research has favored abstract knowledge. 

You have similar options:

1. Describe your first memory of language acquisition or language use. Describe the place, the people you were with, objects, and anything else that was relevant to the situation. Talk about how the chapter on language acquisition helped you to understand your own language learning process and how those other details in your memory provide more in-depth information about the social context where it happened. 

1. Describe a memorable experience of language practice or learning that left an imprint on your body: what was going on? Who were you with? Where? What happened? What sensations or emotions did you experience? What does that say about language as embodied practice? What can we learn from it? 

1. Describe a cultural artifact or practice (a dance, a prayer, a tradition, a festivity, etc.)  you relate to that reflects the embodied nature of language, and how such practice carries over meaning and/or language knowledge that is not normally conveyed through academic/standard language practices.  Please describe as many elements relevant to the practice as possible. 

1. If you have other ideas that you think qualify as “language embodiment” and you can explain why so, please go ahead and share. For instance, how does a specific space or place shape your language practice? Can you record or document that? What does that experience mean to you and to people studying language in general? 

For all of these options, please feel free to include pictures or audio/video recordings and you want to share, that’d be so lovely! Since we are talking about material/tangible language, it’d be extremely helpful to support ideas with such artifacts. 

Please turn this in before the end of the day.