Reacting to the Power of Language by

The Importance of Language - Lysandra Mahendran

2023-09-19 22:08:23 UTC

I think the way we used 'discover' seemed so innocent and unproblematic since we were taught this at a very young age. We were blinded by the fact of how Canada was already discovered and not something that we own or can take ownership of. I think the term 'contact' is so important and sheds light on how the Indigenous peoples were here many years before the settlers. Lastly, I think this module should be called, “Did we really discover the discovered?”

The power of language (John Basinashvili)

2023-09-19 22:50:41 UTC

I find that the name that this module has which is Contact/ The Apocalypse is a great name as it shows through its words the importance of this chapter and the type of attitude we should partake in. The name of the module influences us readers into taking a different approach based on it. The name Contact/ The Apocalypse gives me the understanding that what happened was not good and that the contact that was made released an apocalypse for those. If I were to however change the name I would think to choose something as such of "Contact: What was impacted and the implications".

Contact - Week 3

2023-09-19 23:54:27 UTC

I think "Contact", is the most appropriate word to describe this week's lesson. I agree that "discovery" was the term used in books or in school and even to my country's colonization history. It is surprising to realize how words and terms can be used, interpreted, misunderstood or in this case, presented to mean something positive or impressive to hide the catastrophic impact that goes along with it. It is intriguing , interesting and a little disturbing I would say that no one paid attention to words in the stories written or told. This lesson challenges my little knowledge about colonization and it makes me think that the world has been taught about this from one side of the party only. Learning the Indigenous people's side of the story now brings a whole new perception and understanding on all this - which for me is challenging but good and exciting!
- Everett

The power of language

2023-09-23 06:20:27 UTC

By reading this module, we fully understand that word can have different meanings and applications, as well as positive or negative. For a lifetime, all the books and other resources told us that Canada was discovered, but we had not paid attention to the fact that there was a land that was preserved by the indigenous people, how could it be rediscovered? I think that would be the best name for this module. Also, contact and is "the Apocalypse" are the best words to describe the module and in general we can say that the Canada has revealed and it is totally different from "discover" word and the misunderstandings that were in that word.
Saba Nouri

Week 3 padlet

2023-09-24 02:03:52 UTC

I think this should be called discover or contact. When going over all this weeks reading, recording and video, to me the term apocalypse isn’t appropriate here. Unfortunately because of what happened to the Indigenous , apocalypse will always be in our heads when we think of them. That being said, when the word apocalypse, gets thrown around to me that means having a large amount of destruction done in a way involving action with plenty of violence. I did not feel or sense that at all here instead I felt some contact along mainly discovering stuff . I think this could be called the discovery and light touch. My understanding did not change with the given name but it did make me question a bit of what I was reading a bit sometimes.

Telling history with appropriate word choice

2023-09-24 22:08:43 UTC

I think it is very important to recognize language's profound impact in shaping perceptions and telling history. Labelling the contact between Indigenous communities and colonizers as "Apocalypse" helps convey and feel the reality of the tremendous loss and destruction Indigenous peoples face. This choice of terminology forces the harsh realities and consequences of colonialism to be elucidated and pushes individuals to re-evaluate their understanding and commitment to this significant historical event. (Nuket)

Week 3 Padlet

2023-09-25 05:28:34 UTC

When I think of language, I think of writing and speaking. Language is one of the most important ways to convey a message with deep emotion and meaning. The "apocalypse" and "contact" are so different with such different meanings it shows such different sides of the story. Contact on one side is just coming to the land and seeing the people, and apocalypse is what happened for so many Indigenous People. In my opinion the Apocalypse is a term I would think of and use as well, if the People that went through it call it that I accept and embrace that term. I also find it an apocalypse, the pain and suffering that came with "contact" was indeed apocalyptic. I think the title is perfect, it shows such hot and cold sides, it helps me understand the story and the picture is all coming together.

Changing Historical Views

2023-09-28 17:15:21 UTC

It might be appropriate to call the module "Interactions and Consequences." The shift from "Contact" and "The Apocalypse" does definitely change how we perceive things. "The Apocalypse" evokes a sense of impending doom, whereas "Contact" suggests engagement and connection. By stressing the destructive aspects of historical events rather than the possibilities for cultural exchange and adaptation, this terminology change may have an important effect on how we view the past. Therefore, the title of the module is crucial in determining how we view these historical accounts.

- Daniella Nuevos

The weight of words - Sharon Chavez

2023-10-10 00:22:55 UTC

After reviewing this week's material, I think this module could be called "The beginnings of colonization in Canada". We are familiar with terms such as "contact" or "arrival" which are quite neutral in how they describe these events, however the term "colonization" has a clearly negative connotation and I believe it truly encompasses the process that is foreigners coming to a new land, purposefully ignoring the locals' way of life and social rules and using resources for their own gain, at the same time that they damage those who originally inhabited those lands.
The term "apocalypse" is apt in describing the Indigenous point of view of colonization, as the complete disruption and destruction of their culture and history has been a traumatic event for all Indigenous peoples. In fact, if it makes us uncomfortable then it's working: it allows us to take a moment in reflecting the part we play as settlers in modern Canada.

Week 3 Padlet (Ankush Kumar)

2023-10-16 22:37:55 UTC

A name for this module could be "Encounters and Echoes: Unraveling the Legacy." This title suggests a focus on the complex interactions and consequences of these encounters while acknowledging the enduring impact on Indigenous communities. The term "Echoes" implies that the historical events continue to reverberate in the present, emphasizing the importance of understanding this history. On the other hand, the "Apocalypse" conveys a more dramatic and catastrophic view of the same historical events. It refers to a sense of impending doom, disaster, and a profound and often irreversible transformation of the world. This title emphasizes the negative consequences and devastation that often accompanied the contact between Indigenous peoples and European settlers. However, this name is suitable for this because it is showing both, Negative and positive sides. If the intention is to examine the far-reaching and often devastating impacts of colonialism and European contact on Indigenous peoples, then "the Apocalypse" might be an appropriate title as it underscores the profound and often tragic consequences. However, it's essential to be mindful of the potential for such a title to frame the historical narrative in a certain way, potentially biasing the interpretation.

Encounters with Indigenous Peoples

2023-10-21 21:48:57 UTC

The words we use to describe historical events can have a significant impact on our understanding. While the terms "contact" and "the apocalypse" are very different, they show how language can shape our view of history. This module could be called "Encounters with Indigenous Peoples" to highlight the importance of respectful communication and understanding between different cultures. Referring to "contact" as "the apocalypse" might change our perception by emphasizing the devastating consequences of European colonization on Indigenous communities. It encourages us to acknowledge the negative impact of these encounters and to explore history from a more critical perspective.

"Apocalypse" and Colonial Encounters have a language impact. (Pragya Randhawa)

2023-10-22 18:34:29 UTC

The term "Apocalypse" appropriately describes the encounter between Indigenous communities and colonisers, successfully expressing the stark reality of the extensive loss and devastation suffered by Indigenous peoples. This acknowledges the profound influence of language on forming perspectives and narrating historical events. This purposeful word choice forces a sobering illumination of the brutal realities and effects of colonialism, encouraging people to reevaluate their understanding and engagement with this crucial historical chapter.

The use of language- Martina Hunter

2023-10-23 03:31:49 UTC

The power of language can be used to change the perception of how things are seen, done and said. This weeks module is called Contact and Apocalypse, two very unique words used to describe the lesson on indigenous history and colonial contact with the land. Two very different words with different meanings. I believe changing the name from contact to apocalypse would change our understanding and intention of the lesson. When reading the title apocalypse one would assume it was the complete destruction of something worldly or "human". The title contact highlights the lesson because the lesson speaks about colonial early contact in history and the "doctrine of discovery" which means the belief that it was a "discovery". If the title were to change to apocalypse you would assume the lesson would be speaking about Indigenous land and people being
destroyed or the world ending. The difference in how the narrative would be perceived gives you an idea of how powerful language is in framing our understanding of history. I think the module should be called The origins
of the "discovery" or Early Contact. This way it highlights the lesson and makes you question what it means before exploring the lesson and the topic.

Padlet

ravi2213rk — 2023-10-25 19:05:59 UTC

This need to be dubbed discover or contact, in my opinion.

After reviewing all of this week's reading, audio, and film, I don't think the word "apocalypse" fits in this context.

Sadly, when we think of the Indigenous people, images of the apocalypse will always cross our minds because of what happened to them.

Having said that, I associate the term "apocalypse" with a great deal of violence and activity that results in extensive destruction. Here, instead of feeling or sensing it at all, I felt some contact and mostly discovered things. This may be referred to as the light touch and discovery, I believe.

The given name did not alter my comprehension, but it did occasionally cause me to wonder about what I was reading.