LANGUAGE

ARTICULATES
CONSCIOUSNESS

PREPARED BY:

BERNARD SHEM ALIPIO

DOERSON BERNARDO

CARL JUSTINE LORENZO

JEROME IAN CACHO

JOHN FRANKLIN BUGAUISAN

JOHN LLOYD ETRATA

KIZZES KEITH SANTIAGO

LADY CHRISTAINE IÑIGO

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 Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION………………...………..……………………………………………………3

Background of the Study…………………………………………………..………………

RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESIS…………………………...…………………

BENEFITS AND BENEFICIARIES……………………………………………………………6

REVIEW RELATED LITERATURES…………………………………………………..…….9

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECCOMENDATION………………………………...12

Summary…………………………………………………………………………………12

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………….....12

Recommendations………………………………………………………………………..13

REFERENCES………………………………………………..………………………………..14

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 INTRODUCTION

We all know that language is the major foundation of everyone to create a better

communication. Language is a tool that people use to exchange ideas, feelings, thoughts and

information. It is made up of a set of guidelines, gestures, and noises that individuals can utilize

to successfully communicate with one another. Language representation can take many different

forms, including spoken, written, and sign language. It can be applied to a wide range of tasks,

such as emotional expression, information conveyance, and identity expression. It is a shared

system that facilitates understanding and communication between people and is vital to human

culture and social interaction. Communication is the vehicle, language is the road and we are the

driver. However, language is diverse, it plays a vital role in shaping everyone's identities,

cultures and social norms including human behaviour and attitudes. At this point, you will see

here how language articulates consciousness.

Language plays a significant role in shaping our perception of the world, influencing our

cultural beliefs and attitudes. It can be a powerful tool for promoting inclusivity, removing

gender, race, and age barriers. By accepting and embracing the gender connotations in language,

we can gradually adopt more inclusive and gender-neutral languages, transforming our societies

(Savage, 2022). It is an essential tool that we use every day to give meaning to the world around

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us, and to distinguish everyone and everything. It is how we identify ourselves, communicate

with others, and name everything in our reality. Language can be specialized and specific

depending on the topic, and language can carry connotations, nuance, and myriad other

significant meanings. While it can be unique to each individual, there is often collectively agreed

upon language that is used by groups of people who share interests or identities (Carr, 2021).

Background of the Study

When it comes to overcoming gender stereotypes through language, some languages do

have bigger obstacles than others. Language choices can also perpetuate stereotypes about men

and women. For example, women are still typically linked with the home, while men are

typically associated with employment, according to gender stereotypes that were discovered in

2021 after millions of words from novels, movies, and television were analyzed. Additionally,

research indicates that rather than being labeled as "efficient," women are more likely to be

regarded as "helpful" or "compassionate" in the workplace—terms that align with pre existing

prejudices. Another example the belief that boys are innately interested in playing football can be

used to explain why children may assume that all boys enjoy playing the game. A team from

New York University published research in 2021 indicating that statements like these can cause

children to assume other groups are not mentioned, such as football-playing girls (Young, 2023).

Certainly, women’s speech differs from men’s speech; and women and men use language

differently due to the styles, registers, and the way of using language, interaction,

thought, culture, and linguistic attitudes gender, politeness and stereotypes. In fact, there is a

number of close relationships between Gender and language. Another word, men’s way of using

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language and women’s way of using language is different. It is because of structure of the

language, norm of the society or people of the society who use the language. Moreover,

gender(male-female) is socially constructed. Because of the social institution or taboo, we find

variations/differences between men and women. In addition to, men’s style of speaking and

women style of speaking are deeply rooted in power structure. In the following passages, I will

give some arguments in favor of my statements (Shazu, 2014).

Language counts. It possesses the ability to both affirm and validate identities, as well as

to reject them. People should therefore make a conscious effort to speak in a way that is inclusive

and validating for everyone, including the LGBTQ community, and be mindful of the influence

of the language they use and the context in which they use it. Creating an equal environment for

the LGBTQ community requires affirming and empowering individuals for who they are and

how they identify; linguistic inclusion is just as crucial as other forms of cultural inclusivity

(Murray, 2018). The LGBTQ+ community, which includes individuals with different gender

identities or sexual orientations, has gained acceptance in society over the past few years. Their

innovative movements and discussions have raised awareness of their roles in society and their

basic rights. However, discriminatory acts and stereotyping continue to affect their social

situations. LGBTQ+ members are fighting for their rights, but their social situations are often

tested and questioned due to their chosen sexual orientation and gender identity. In the

Philippines, no comprehensive laws are currently signed to prohibit these discriminatory acts

towards the LGBTQ+, leading to their seeking to indulge in their rights and stand in society

(Hanson et al., 2019)

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 However, language has many jobs. It's used to share facts, create social bonds, share

experiences, and record common cultural history, which serves not only as a record, but as a

reinforcement of culture. What's deemed important enough to record speaks to cultural values.

Thus, language is also used to transmit values, laws, and cultural norms, including taboos.

Language, since it expresses and reinforces culture, influences the personal identity of those

living within the culture and creates boundaries of behavior. In general, people are not very

conscious of the language they’re using. But a body of evidence suggests that how people use

gendered words, including personal pronouns, not only expresses their beliefs around gender but

also shapes the way they see the social world and their place in it as a woman or a man. When

people hear these word order choices, they read them as cues indicating the relevance of the

people described by them. Word order can both convey and reinforce gender beliefs (Madison

and Chapel, 2021).

Research Questions and Hypothesis

Does language express and shape individual perceptions of sex roles and gender roles? Does

language express and shape human thought, ideas, consciousness? Are there any link between

language and our cultural values, beliefs, and social norms? Can we consider the language as a

power?

Language does not only reflect but it can also shape consciousness. Language reflect and

shapes perceptions of sex and gender roles through its vocabulary, pronouns, and the way it

frames and describes individuals and their roles in society. It can both reinforce traditional

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gender norms and challenge them when used consciously and inclusively. There is a strong link

between language and cultural values, beliefs, and social norms. Language is not just a means of

communication; it is deeply intertwined with culture. Language is a key aspect of culture, and it

both reflects and shapes cultural values, beliefs, and social norms. The words we use and the way

we use them are deeply embedded in our cultural context, influencing how we perceive and

interact with the world. We can consider language as a power where to as language is the

primary tool for communication, and effective communication is a source of power. Language

can be used for constructive purposes, such as advocacy, education, and fostering understanding,

but it can also be used to manipulate, deceive, and harm.

Benefits and Beneficiaries

The study of how people think and communicate about objects without the use of

language is a pioneering and vital exploration within the realm of cognitive science. It delves

into the fundamental inquiry of how humans represent and convey their thoughts and

experiences through various modalities such as gestures, drawings, or sounds. This research aims

to address a notable gap in existing literature by scrutinizing how individuals employ these non-

linguistic forms of expression to reference objects in diverse contexts and tasks. The study holds

both theoretical and practical significance in understanding human cognition and

communication. Theoretically, it has the potential to yield fresh insights into the essence and

origins of language, the intricate interplay between language and thought, and the influence of

non-linguistic elements in shaping meaning and interpretation. Practically, this research has the

capacity to enhance the design and assessment of communication systems and devices reliant on

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non-verbal cues, like icons, emojis, or voice assistants. It can also contribute to the improvement

of education and intervention strategies for individuals facing language impairments, such as

aphasia, autism, or dyslexia.

Furthermore, the study is poised to have substantial social and cultural implications by

fostering awareness and appreciation of the diversity and richness of human communication

across various groups and contexts. It can play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing

potential biases and inequalities stemming from the use or misuse of non-linguistic modes of

expression, such as stereotypes, prejudices, or misunderstandings. Additionally, this study has

the potential to contribute to our understanding of how individuals employ non-linguistic

communication to articulate and govern their emotions, beliefs, and intricate cognitive processes,

such as reasoning, problem-solving, or creativity. In essence, the significance of this research

spans across a multitude of knowledge domains, including psychology, linguistics, neuroscience,

education, and the arts, and it beckons us to explore innovative avenues for creative and

empathetic expression through nonverbal means.

On the topic of the transmission of culture, traditions, and knowledge across generations,

studying these processes becomes a crucial endeavor in safeguarding cultural diversity and

preserving essential elements of human heritage. It ensures the continuity of languages, customs,

and cultural practices, granting individuals a profound sense of identity and belonging.

Moreover, understanding the transmission of culture promotes cross-cultural communication,

cultural exchange, and the enrichment of global diversity, recognizing the interconnectedness of

cultures. By grasping how people's language and thoughts are shaped, parents and educators can

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guide younger generations in how they express themselves and think in their surroundings,

enabling better understanding and fostering individual and collective growth. Language, as a

powerful tool, is at the heart of expressing and shaping human thoughts, ideas, and

consciousness. Through language, individuals share experiences, beliefs, and intricate cognitive

processes, sparking emotions, imagination, and action. It facilitates the transmission of culture,

traditions, and knowledge across generations, thereby shaping collective consciousness, beliefs,

culture, and identity. Language also nurtures understanding, empathy, and inclusivity,

contributing to positive social change and the pursuit of an equitable society. However, it's

essential to acknowledge that language can serve dual purposes, as it can both challenge

dominant narratives and advocate for equality and social justice, while also supporting existing

power structures and social hierarchies, perpetuating stereotypes, biases, and inequalities. The

use of language is a profound instrument with the potential for substantial impact on society, and

it is our responsibility to wield it thoughtfully and ethically.

REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE

FOREIGN

Speaking, writing and reading are integral to everyday life, where language is the primary

tool for expression and communication. Studying how people use language – what words and

phrases they unconsciously choose and combine – can help us better understand ourselves and

why we behave the way we do. Stanford linguists and psychologists study how language is

interpreted by people. Even the slightest differences in language use can correspond with biased

beliefs of the speakers, according to research. One study showed that a relatively harmless

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sentence, such as “girls are as good as boys at math,” can subtly perpetuate sexist stereotypes.

Because of the statement’s grammatical structure, it implies that being good at math is more

common or natural for boys than girls, the researchers said (Shashksvich, 2019). However,

according to Fuller (2008), language choice is shown to be a mechanism for constructing social

identity. The role of language in determining individual identities and distinguishing groups can

be significant. The paper explores the role of language in shaping personal identities in Pakistani

society, focusing on how individuals abandon their native languages and opt for strong

alternative languages to create an identity. The research uncovers the process by which language

shapes individual identities. According to the study, language identities are not shaped by

languages but rather by social, historical, and political factors. The research will aid in laying the

groundwork for explaining the significance of language's role and its relationship to personal

identities (Khokhara, et al., 2016)

LOCAL

Language enhances the power of thought by allowing communication, focusing attention

on selected aspects, and providing access to valuations. Chafe distinguishes between immediate

and displaced consciousness, with the former engaged in direct perception and the latter in

recalled or imagined experiences. The imagistic and ideational components of consciousness are

considered central to thought, as thought is typically understood (Jackendoff and Chafe, 2019)

The discourse on gender identity on social media often remains academic and difficult to

understand, with platforms like smartphones and laptops making the discourse exclusive to those

who have the privilege to own such gadgets. Filipino, or Taglish conversational language, also

shapes our discourse as a community, but it can also make the discourse on gender identity

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exclusive to the marginalized. Pasion embraces the idea of having a wide range of Philippine

languages, as it is as wide as the range of our gender and identity (Pasion, 2020).

In the Filipino language, common misconceptions about gender are binary and based on

appearances. We categorize things in binary, making it easy for us to understand cultural

concepts based on oppositions and deviations from these oppositions. This makes it difficult to

explain the fluidity of gender. We also use visual observations to assign someone's gender

identity, such as when a man acts or looks more feminine, we call him "bakla" because he is

"malambot"(Pasion, 2020). A child immediately conflates a man wearing makeup as gay,

because these were the stereotypes we were taught as kids and reinforced by media and

facilitated by the language that we use.

However, this does not mean we would forever be stuck with this regressive cultural

mindset. Language can be used as a tool to unlearn and highlights the intersectionality of identity

politics to political issues in terms of access, especially when access to quality and liberating

education can lead to understanding. In schools, DepEd materials are infested with dangerous

gender stereotypes, mostly perpetuating male supremacy. Children learn words like bakla,

tomboy, etc. and the values attached to these words in the language of humor and insult.

It is important to properly define new terms such as "Mx." These are not new phenomena,

but they are not new phenomena. The LGBTQ+ have always been there, and now that there are

more spaces to discuss these, it is just important to properly define these terms for their

recognition. Language is evolving, and discussions on this should be recognized as valid and

important.

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 Pasion emphasizes that the fight is beyond language, and the common ground and goal is

the struggle to be understood. Understanding entails the use of language to normalize seemingly

new terms. Naming is important—it’s a recognition that they exist, and from there,

understanding follows.” (Pasion, 2020)

Beyond language, discourses on gender are also influenced by power-relations culturally

and systematically embedded in our society. When asking about the accessibility of these terms,

it is important to ask about the factors that make these terms accessible or not. The struggle of

recognition or understanding will always be different depending on how the person is enabled to

participate in the discourse based on class, race, and generation.

The SOGIE bill and the fight for recognition should always be intersectional, as we

cannot push for "gender equality" when members of LGBTQ+ are also differently oppressed in

other facets of their lives. This is why we should continue dismantling oppressive systems that

exacerbate the present inequality that members of LGBTQ+ experience because of their gender

identity.

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

Summary:

The statement "language articulates consciousness" emphasize the significant impact of

language on expressing and shaping human thought, ideas, and consciousness. Language serves

as a powerful tool for communication and self-expression, enabling individuals to convey their

experiences, beliefs, emotions, and intricate cognitive processes. It plays a vital role in sharing

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information and constructing our perception of the world, contributing to our understanding and

knowledge of the environment and ourselves. Language, therefore, plays a central role in shaping

our individual and collective consciousness and serves as a fundamental medium for human

interaction and expression.

Conclusion:

In conclusion language acts as a mirror to cultural values and social norms, impacting

how we perceive and interact with the world. Recognizing its influence on gender roles and

societal perspectives it highlights the importance of using language inclusively and thoughtfully,

fostering understanding and empathy within diverse communities. By promoting conscious and

inclusive language practices, we can contribute to creating a more equitable and compassionate

society that values diversity and respects individual identities.

Recommendation:

To make society more inclusive and fair, it's important to have ongoing conversations

and thoughtful discussions about how we use language. We should encourage the use of

language that includes everyone and doesn't discriminate. It's also valuable to study how people

express themselves without words. By doing these things, we can create a kinder and more

understanding society. When we recognize, understand, and respect people with different

identities using language, we can make the world a better place and promote equality for

everyone.

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REFERENCES:

De Marco, J. (2023, October 19). How language shapes our perception of gender. Terra

Translations. https://terratranslations.com/2022/03/29/how-language-shapes-our-perception-of-

gender/#:~:text=Language%20can%20influence%20how%20we,others%20hold%20more

%20antiquated%20views.

Fuller, J. M. (2007). Language choice as a means of shaping identity. Journal of

Linguistic

Anthropology, 17(1), 105–129. https://doi.org/10.1525/jlin.2007.17.1.105

Garcia, G. (2020, December 2). The Filipino language makes us think in binaries, but we

can do something about it - Preen. Preen.ph.

https://preen.ph/118768/gender-identity-discourse/amp

Halsted, C. O. (2018, August 13). Speaking of identities: the importance of inclusive

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language and the LGBTQ community. Medium. https://centeronhalsted.medium.com/speaking-

of-identities-the-importance-of-inclusive-language-and-the-lgbtq-community-b6efac3f2dcc

How Language Reflects Culture & Affects Meaning - Video & Lesson Transcript |

Study.com. (2020). Study.com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/how-language-reflects-culture-

affects-meaning.html

Stanford University. (2019, August 27). The power of language: Words shape people,

culture. Stanford News. https://news.stanford.edu/2019/08/22/the-power-of-language-how-

words-shape-people-culture/

Young, E. (2023, April 18). Language as a tool to shape how we think of gender. BPS.

https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/language-tool-shape-how-we-think-gender

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