CIEP Roundtables: The evolution of language
CIEP Roundtables: The evolution of language
Language is constantly changing – but who decides what constitutes 'correct' usage? And what role should editors play in shaping, preserving or challenging established conventions?
Join us for an open and thought-provoking roundtable discussion exploring how language evolves, what drives those changes and what they mean for editorial professionals.
This will be a facilitated, discussion-led session, with space to share experiences and hear a range of perspectives.
What will we be discussing?
The questions that we'll ask attendees to share their thoughts on during the session are:
Who decides what is 'correct' use of language?
Possible discussion points:
- Are ‘correctness’ and convention determined by common usage or are they tied to social power, class, education, geography and historical privilege?
- If enough people use language ‘incorrectly’, does it eventually become ‘correct’ regardless of established conventions? And at what point do those conventions change?
What is the editor’s responsibility with regard to the evolution of language?
Possible discussion points:
- Should editors be guardians of established language conventions, or do they have a responsibility to keep up with changes and learn from others (eg clients, linguists, social theorists, activists, the younger generation)?
- Does this responsibility vary depending on the type of content (eg academic vs marketing vs fiction), or even within particular subs-specialisms? Why?
- How much weight should an editor give to established conventions versus current usage?
- Do editors risk losing the ability to communicate well with certain audiences if they insist on amending ‘misuse’?
What does language change tell us about social change?
Possible discussion points:
- Is resistance to language change about the language itself or what the change represents in terms of social change?
- How closely are debates about language change tied to feelings about identity?
What might editorial professionals stand to lose or gain if they challenge established conventions and embrace how others commonly use language?
Possible discussion points:
- Does loosening adherence to established conventions make communication more inclusive or more confusing, and for whom?
- What might accepting changes to convention mean for the reputation of the profession at large?
Public awareness and understanding
Possible discussion points:
- How should editors share knowledge and guidance about new usage and its context with others in order to increase public understanding and awareness?
- What are your preferred methods (eg social media, writing articles, presenting, online discussion groups)?
Who should join?
This session is open to CIEP members at all stages of their careers. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, you’ll bring valuable perspectives to the discussion.
As this is a roundtable session, it’s designed to be interactive rather than observational. You’ll be expected to take an active part in the conversation, share your experiences and perspectives, and engage with others’ ideas.
To get the most from the session, we ask that you come prepared. You don’t need anything formal, but you should spend a little time in advance reflecting on the questions and discussion points set out above.
If you’re willing to contribute, listen, and think critically about the profession and your place within it, this session will be a good fit.
Other information
This session will be limited to ten participants to allow for thoughtful, in-depth discussion and ensure everyone has the space to contribute fully.
Bookings will open at 2pm BST on Friday 29 May and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. A waiting list will be available to join if or when the session becomes fully booked.