Southern perspectives of language and the construction of the common. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Makoni, Sinfree; Severo, Cristine
• Is Part Of: Language & communication. Volume 86(2022)
• Page Start: 80
• Page End: 86
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Southern perspectives -- Common -- Decoloniality -- Social voices; Communication -- Periodicals; Linguistics -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; Linguistics -- Periodicals; Communication -- Périodiques; Linguistique -- Périodiques; Communication; Linguistics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.langcom.2022.06.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-5309

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, we build on the decolonial integrational linguistic perspective proposed by Makoni and Pablé. Based on integrationist principles, through which we avoid all-encompassing interpretations and methodologies that do not adequately engage with local experiences and voices, we construe decolonization as an ongoing project that interrogates the epistemological and political boundaries that isolate the Other from the common world. We argue that public or shared experiences recognized as 'Global South/s' can contribute to our ways of approaching the common and expand our understanding of the meaning of development. We provide an overview of the notion of the common and discuss the role played by languages and Southern epistemologies in its construction. We then propose an active and dynamic notion of the common that recognizes our capacity to build collective and plural spaces through common acts of learning and sharing. Highlights: Decoloniality helps us to illuminate the political nature of knowledge production. For decolonization and southern epistemologies to succeed, we need notions of political action. Language plays a relevant role in transforming mass indifferentiation into a space for plural relationships. Southern perspectives are engaged with a politics of recognition that subverts the colonial will of representation.