Lecture Notes: The Impact of Language on Worldview and Two-Eyed Seeing

Introduction

• Speaker: Rebecca
• Topic: Influence of language on worldview, especially indigenous languages

Importance of Language in Shaping Worldview

• Language influences how we interact with the world, build community, and carry culture
• Indigenous perspectives: deeply tied to language
• Goal: Understand the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing

Study in Psychological Science: Language & Worldview

• Example Findings:
  • English speakers: Focus on actions as ongoing (e.g., "a woman walking")
  • German speakers: Include destination/context (e.g., "a woman walking to her car")
• English vs. German: Different grammatical structures lead to varied worldviews

Indigenous Languages: More than Translation

• Example: Megama territory word "welcome" ("jealousy") means "I'll do my best"
• Concept of Peoplehood (Robert Thomas): Broader understanding than identity, links individual to a larger community

Elements of Peoplehood

• Four essential strands:
  • Language
  • Ceremonial cycle
  • Territory
  • Sacred history
• Each element interconnected; altering one affects the whole

Flexibility of Peoplehood

• Example: Rebecca’s experience—intertwining indigenous identity with non-indigenous languages and practices
• Flexibility allows resilience and adaptability without losing indigenous identity

Challenges in a Colonized World

• Indigenous protocols, concepts of time, and ethics diverge from colonized frameworks
• Importance of cross-cultural understanding and communication

Two-Eyed Seeing

• Concept by Elder Albert Marshall
• Definition: Combining strengths of indigenous and colonized worldviews
• Application: Aims for success through trans-cultural collaboration, especially in STEM and education
• Encourages reciprocity, mutual accountability, and co-learning

Importance in Education

• Goal: Implementing indigenous pedagogy benefits diverse student groups
• Moves towards more inclusive, universal teaching methods

Conclusion: The Role of Storytelling

• According to Elder Albert Marshall: Relationships built on exchange of stories
• Speaker ends with a poem emphasizing the holistic, dual perspective of Two-Eyed Seeing
• Call to action: Embrace both sets of perspectives to foster deeper understanding and progress

Poem: I Do Optimal

• Explores dual perspectives and lived experiences
• Highlights the benefits of integrating two worldviews