The Lens of Language – Pushing Limits – July 18, 2025

The Sapir Wharf Hypothesis is a lens through which communication scholars often observe and predict cultures‘ language and worldviews. It states that language determines a native speaker’s perception and categorization of experience. But what does this mean when it’s applied to people living with disabilities, the language we choose to communicate with, and the language others choose to describe us? Jacob Farzanmehr Jazmin Romero Joining our communication-conversation this week are two young adults: Jacob Farzanmehr and Jazmin Romero. Jacob lives with Cerebral Palsy and currently attends Alan Hancock Community College. Similarly, Jazmin currently attends Mesa Community College and lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. As we explore their experiences as people with disabilities, we’ll compare and contr ast how they see themselves through the lens of language—and how others see them. How do words like cripple, disabled, and handicapped differ in their minds from terms like differently-abled? Tune in to find out! And stick around until the end to hear which terms the Pushing Limits crew are not so fond of. This program was hosted and produced by Dominick Trevethan with editing assistance from Denny Daughters. Additional commentary provided by Eddie Ytuarte, Bonnie Elliott, Denny Daughters, Adrienne Lauby, and Jacob Lesner-Buxton. The post The Lens of Language – Pushing Limits – July 18, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.