Introduction
As some languages have gained popularity worldwide, others have become extinct. The loss of these languages is associated with a loss of a certain group’s ideas, culture, and traditions. As a result, all languages must be accorded the same respect as they are not simply tools of identity but also essential components of communication, culture, and lifestyle. Linguistic justice plays a crucial role in challenging the privileged languages that have dominated leadership, communication, scientific knowledge, and other vital aspects of modern society’s fabric.
Such conlangers as David Joshua Peterson embody the efforts of linguists who constantly emphasize the importance of language justice. In his TED Talk “Why Language is Humanity’s Greatest Invention,” Peterson (2019) further argues for the importance of language, discussing how past and modern civilizations are all tied to its invention. The considered performance is a successful speech not only due to its rhetorical success but also the arguments made through simple explanations, revealing the richness and versatility of linguistic culture.
Summary
Peterson’s TED talk centers on the idea that language surpasses all other inventions humans create. Using humor and passion in equal measure, he gives different examples of how the invention and preservation of languages facilitate the understanding of collective humanity. He explains that all tangible things in modern society are the products of language and challenges the audience to consider any worthwhile human invention that does not benefit from language. The talk further explains that the importance of language cannot be overstated and that human language systems surpass all other forms of animal communication, primarily due to expressiveness.
However, Peterson cautions against people “popping off” about language as if they had the same understanding as linguists. While one may speak a language fluently, they are not as qualified to talk about it as an experienced linguist. Analogously, Peterson argues that carrying a heart for forty years does not grant any layperson the authority to discuss aortic valve replacements as an experienced and well-trained heart surgeon. He concludes by discouraging people from viewing language as a mere tool and urges them to not only preserve but also create new languages, as he has done with the Valyrian and Dothraki languages.
Assessment of the Speaker
In terms of his credentials, Peterson has extensive experience in linguistics, both academically and professionally. He is well-respected for creating new languages for television shows and for his own enjoyment. The speaker primarily works in Hollywood as a respected conlanger, creating languages for shows such as Game of Thrones, Defiance, The 100, Penny Dreadful, The Dark World, The Witcher, and Bright.
Today, his main success is credited to inventing the Dothraki language, used in Game of Thrones. Peterson has also published books, such as The Art of Language and Living Language Dothraki, further illustrating his interest as a conlanger. Based on this evidence, Peterson is a credible speaker who can provide expert consultation on linguistic justice issues.
Evaluation of Key Arguments
Peter’s primary argument is that language is the greatest invention in existence. Without language, he claims, there would be no other inventions. With language, communication is enhanced between people, and ideas can be shared seamlessly. The study of language further reinforces people’s respect for others, which would have been an otherwise impossible task. There are also secondary claims that seem to further Peterson’s argument on the importance of language as a human invention.
Only through language has the human species been able to differentiate itself from other species. In its basic form, language has enabled humanity to cope with and live across different parts of the world, including areas with difficult terrain and weather; other animal species are limited to areas where their DNA can be accommodated. To further substantiate this standpoint, there is evidence to show how language has facilitated sophisticated cultural adaptations, giving rise to commonly used technologies that are often misunderstood (Pagel, 2017). Without language, the creation of these technologies would not have been successful in the first place.
Organization and Presentation
To justify his claims, Peterson uses numerous visuals and refers to both media tools and his personal archive. In addition, he relies on simple symbols and signs to convey his message to the public. From an organizational perspective, his speech is divided into individual segments, each raising a topic related to the central theme. The mechanical delivery of the argument is simple; Peterson speaks out and shows relevant evidence, shaping the audience’s understanding of the subject of the assessment.
From a rhetorical standpoint, his speech is rich and, at the same time, not slurred. Peterson adopts a passionate and humorous tone to make his point. He also gesticulates much and often addresses the audience with open-ended questions, thus creating the illusion of dialogue and holding attention.
Although the audience is not shown during the performance, it is obvious that the subject matter is interesting, as laughter and applause are heard intermittently. Hand and finger movements are the most prominent gestures that Peterson uses in his talk. He uses them to connect better with the audience and identify the key purpose of the text – to convey to the public the versatility of linguistic forms that are variable and unique in their expressions.
Rhetorical Analysis
Ideally, a compelling argument presents its claims using ethos, pathos, and logos. Peterson uses all these rhetorical strategies to substantiate his statement in his talk. In terms of ethos, for instance, an argument is made stronger by highlighting the speaker’s credibility. Peterson’s credibility is derived from his years as an author and conlanger. His expertise has earned him respect in Hollywood, where he has created new languages for use in television.
In addition to ethos, Peterson uses pathos to strengthen his arguments and utilizes cute pictures of his cat and daughter. He also appeals to the viewers’ emotions by talking about shared experiences. He explains how the high school system in America discourages learners from studying linguistics simply because it does not bring them immediate benefits. By appealing to the audience’s shared experiences, Peterson effectively uses pathos in his argument.
As a rhetorical strategy, logos uses data, charts, graphs, and facts to appeal to the audience’s reason and logic. Peterson repeatedly references factual information to emphasize the importance of language. For instance, he mentions the George Babbitt boom series, which demonstrates how language has been essential to human emotion and spirit for many years. In so doing, Peterson cites important information that appeals to the audience’s logic and enables them to connect with his message.
Conclusion
Peterson’s TED talk is a strong reference point when discussing linguistic justice. He clearly explains why linguistic justice is an essential component of society. The argument’s basis is that language surpasses all other human inventions.
Peterson plays the role of respecting language through his conlanging with television companies. He has also authored multiple books to further this agenda personally. Peterson urges others to learn a foreign language and approach endangered languages with keenness, as their extinction comes with a loss of a unique culture, identity, and ideas. Without language, human civilization is also non-existent; hence, there is a need to constantly remind others of its importance.
References
Pagel, M. (2017). Q&A: What is human language, when did it evolve, and why should we care?BMC Biology, 15(1), 1-6. Web.
Peterson, D. (2019). Why language is humanity’s greatest invention [Video]. TED. Web.