LINGUIST List 11.776

Wed Apr 5 2000

Disc: Political Action/Linguistic Organizations

Editor for this issue: Karen Milligan <karenlinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. FREEDA, Re: 11.771, Disc: Political Action/Linguistic Organizations
2. Mai Kuha, Disc: Political Action/Linguistic Organizations
3. Deborah Milam Berkley, Re: 11.755, Disc: New: Political Action/Linguistic Organizations

Message 1: Re: 11.771, Disc: Political Action/Linguistic Organizations

 As members of a democratic society, and as members of a
professional organization associated with language (a
singularly social and political part of human life),
and as representatives of the higher education community, 
I believe it is urgent that we (as Linguists) speak out and take
positions against injustices of all sorts whenever we have the 
possibility. I applaud the leadership of the LSA for suggesting
that we adopt various social (and political) positions. Members 
can vote according to their own conscience.


 Alice F. Freed
 Professor of Linguistics
 Montclair State University
 Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
 (973) 655-7505
 freedaalpha.montclair.edu

Maybe the ideological aspect of this issue is more important, but I'd like
to add a comment to one practical question that has been raised: how
effective is a boycott by the LSA in bringing about change? Well, local
linguists who would prefer the convenience of having a meeting held
somewhere close to them aren't the only pressure point. If the Illini
Union sales manager at UIUC is told why the hotel is losing a potential
customer, that may make a difference. Besides, isn't there some potential
for positive publicity for universities and hotels when they host
meetings? (I'm not sure how important that is.)

-Mai
_____________________________________________
Mai Kuha mkuhabsuvc.bsu.edu
Department of English (765) 285-8410
Ball State University

Message 3: Re: 11.755, Disc: New: Political Action/Linguistic Organizations

	
	Since the issues mentioned by Michael Covington are ones on which it
	is possible for educated people of good will to disagree with each
	other, I would prefer our time and resources to be spent on linguistic
	issues. If there is a non-linguistic issue that some linguists want
	LSA to address, I think it should be voted on by the membership first.
	
	Deborah Milam Berkley
	Northwestern University
	Microsoft