WBAI-FM Upcoming Program
Niteshift

Mon, Dec 8, 2025 10:00 PM


Tonight on Niteshift

 LINGUISTIC CAMOUFLAGE AND LINGUISTIC RELATIVITY

Mike Sargent is joined by linguist Dr. Kelly Wright and comedian Leighann Lord for a deep examination of how language shapes our perception of violence, injustice, and human rights violations. Through the frameworks of linguistic relativity and linguistic camouflage, the episode explores how euphemisms, acronyms, and institutional phrasing reduce the emotional and moral impact of events unfolding in the United States and around the world. Together, they dissect current examples from the last ten to twelve months and reveal how comedy and linguistics both expose the truths that official language attempts to hide.

Guests:
Dr. Kelly Wright – Linguist and researcher examining language, identity, and social power
Leighann Lord – Comedian, author, and social commentator

Topics:

  • Linguistic relativity – How language influences thought and emotion
  • Linguistic camouflage – How euphemisms hide the reality of violence
  • Institutional language in media, policing, war, and politics
  • Comedy as a tool to unmask euphemism
  • Science fiction parallels in modern communication
  • The role of language in public perception of humans
  • The WORD of the Year
  • Media Literacy and literacy in general

 

 


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