language and discrimination
Understanding non-standard Dialects
In this module participants learn the "Logic of Nonstandard English." They learn how linguists think of dialects, the difference between a dialect and a language, and the relationship between dialects and the languages made up of them. Participants will learn how dialects relate to region, gender, class, and education, as well as tools for understanding "nonstandard" speakers and managing communication in the workplace. We also offer a modified version of this module for transcription professionals in which participants will additionally learn tools for recognizing and adapting to non-standard dialects in real time.
Communicating Across Language and Culture
What happens when cultural difference leads to miscommunication? This module explores what the research tells us about culture and the workplace, and how miscommunications arise and wreak havoc in organizations. The focus will be on communication styles and expectations across cultures -- both across subcultures within a broader cultural context and internationally. Participants will learn common traps and pitfalls, and how to avoid them and cultivate teamwork and effective communication.
Language and Unconscious Bias for Managers
Most of our interactions happen through language, and our identities are tied to how we speak. This module explores the basics of unconscious bias -- how it happens, and why -- before introducing participants to the ways in which language and bias interact. This module will cover the neuroscience of unconscious bias, will introduce participants to research on dialect and language, and will link both identity construction and language attitudes to workplace performance and feedback.
Managing Microaggression
This module explores micro aggression -- a hot button issue right now in the social sciences -- from the perspective of performance and effective workforce management. Participants will learn what micro aggression is and isn't, how it affects employees and managers, why it matters for team leaders, and how to cultivate an inclusive environment free from the barriers to productivity that micro aggression presents.