| This is a proposal for a short paper, to be followed by a
dialogue session. It is a truism that lack of a common language can give rise to
misunderstanding and conflict. Language may be seen as an essential tool for the analysis
and resolution of conflict. However, language can also be used to escalate a conflict or
damage an adversary. Indeed, so integral is language to cultural identity that language
may itself become the object of the conflict, the matter that is fought over. This paper
will explore some of the roles that language can play in conflict within and between
different cultural groups.
In the discussion we will address questions such as: How do diverse cultures
conceptualise and resolve conflict? What attitudes skills and knowledge promote
intercultural understanding and constructive conflict resolution within and between
cultures? To what extent can Western conflict resolution strategies be applied in other
cultural settings? |
