Toni Morrison - Nobel Lecture

    In Morrison’s Nobel lecture, she delves into the power of language and how it influences storytelling and other complex relationships. Morrison begins by introducing the power of language and the possibilities along with it. Language can be utilized in many different ways to explain topics, but it is interesting how Morrison describes it as limiting. Language limits knowledge because when compared to physical actions, it seems substantially weaker and meaningless in light of actions. When Morrison states, “Sexist language, racist language, theistic language – all are typical of the policing languages of mastery, and cannot, do not permit new knowledge or encourage the mutual exchange of ideas.” These types of discrimination limit the umbrella of language because only so many perspectives can be heard from society and because of this marginalizing language, diverse experiences and perspectives are not as commonly expressed and heard. Language is seen as potentially harmful by Morrison because of the way language can perpetuate stereotypes and marginalize various people. However, in the same way language can be used to discriminate, it can also be used to spread positivity and share stories so they can be acknowledged by various different people and so a variety of perspectives can be heard. I find it interesting how Morrison uses the bird to exemplify the power of language. Language is a powerful tool that can be manipulated and utilized to share stories and ideas.