The Power of Language: Enhancing Culture through Language

Watch ‘The Power of Words’

Video – ‘The Power of Words’

What was your reaction to watching the video?

Implications for everyday life? Implications for working life?

Language is the roadmap of a culture.

It tells you where its people came from

and where they are going.

-Rita Mae Brown

Language is…

• A body of words used to communicate

• A choice of words or style of writing

How does language impact?

Our words communicate…

– Meaning

– Beliefs

– Attitude

– Values

– Feelings

–Agenda

Visualization

Freedom

MPL Language History

Facility

MPL Language History

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Community

Language choices impact…

Language choices

Power to positively impact … Confidence

Teamwork

Culture

Morale

Language choices

Power to negatively impact …

Confidence

Teamwork

Culture

Morale

Discovering Language Opportunities

Identify commonly used words

Facility

Community

Discovering Language Opportunities

Identify commonly used phrases

How can I help you?

How can I support you?

Discovering Language Opportunities

Consider context

Consider possible interpretations of words

Discovering Language Opportunities

Does word promote successful aging?

Does it empower others?

Does it convey a strength?

Does it promote a positive culture?

Ask:

Words for thought….

• Paternalistic• Ownership

implied

Eek!

“My Residents”

“Our Residents” • Paternalistic

Words for thought….

• Paternalistic

• Ownership implied

“Your Residents”

Words for thought….

“My Residents”

“Residents at Community

Name”

“Our Residents”

Other phrasing ideas?

Words for thought….

Higher Levels of

Care

Higher Levels of

Living

Words for thought….

Be aware of using: Pet names: “Sweetie,” “hon” Generalizations: “Older adults are wise, cute,

sweet, etc.” Making limiting statements: “Our residents

don’t…”

Words for thought….

Doing for, fixing, caring

for

Serving, supporting

Helping

Next Steps: Taking it home

Take inventory Consider from culture

perspective Brainstorm with team Involve Residents Select alternative words Pay attention to the impact Continue to evolve