Past event

We need new words: the power and pitfalls of language in discussing diversity Kaleidoscope Alumni Network Launch

Kaleidoscope Alumni Network (KAN) is an alumni network that celebrates the ethnic and cultural diversity of St Andrews alumni around the world. We are successful thought leaders, changemakers, and global citizens and our diversity allows us to perceive situations from a multitude of perspectives.

Join us in person or online to learn about and help us to celebrate the ethnic and cultural diversity of St Andrews graduates around the world and the significant contribution made to our society by under-represented diverse ethnic communities.

In this, the launch event of Development's new Kaleidoscope Alumni Network, we discuss how the language we use influences what we hear and understand when we talk about 'race' and ethnicity?

The terms we use are context dependent and inherently have the capacity to both unite and divide. Drawing on the lived and professional expertise of the panel, we will explore perspectives on how language both helps and hinders efforts to eliminate discrimination.

Panel

  • Dr Gurnam Singh – University of the Arts London, University of Warwick, and University of Chester
  • Dr Akira O'Connor – University of St Andrews
  • Wei Lin – Assistant Director of Admissions, MLitt 2009, University of St Andrews
  • Divine Mwawasi – University of St Andrews
  • Chair: Dr Rebekah Widdowfield – University of St Andrews

The other events in the Kaleidoscope Network Launch are:

An audience with Claudia/Chemical – Artist/Academic (11.15am to 12 noon)

Beyond intelligence and elitism: nurturing wisdom and ethical reflexivity (1pm to 2pm)

The Advocate: the string that ties everything together (5pm to 6pm)

See the full programme for the day and register now for in-person and/or online participation.