Welcome to our What's the L? Series! This is an informal series of talks showcasing works or topics in language-related disciplines. This particular talk will be led by Dr. Erika Darics, an internationally recognized scholar, author, and podcaster whose work bridges applied linguistics, discourse, organizational studies, and business communication. Her recent books include Language Awareness in Business and the Professions (Bloomsbury, in press) and Organization, Communication, Language (Palgrave).
Language is not just a tool of everyday communication - it is the medium through which societies are built, identities shaped , and truths negotiated.
How we use and interpret language determines which problems are recognised, whose voices are heard, and which solutions seem possible. In times of ecological crisis, disinformation, and political polarisation, understanding language is not a luxury but a key to transformation. This talk introduces four capacities - awareness, agency, advocacy, and activism - to show how Critical Language Awareness (CLA) connects directly to social change. CLA invites us to see language not only as words, texts, and images, but as a tool for shaping futures.
