Discuss language as a social determinant of health. This task requires that you reflect on your language use in any social context and compare that to how language is used
This task requires that students show their understanding of language as a social determinant of health by applying a critical lens to health discourse as found in scholarly works or public directives. Students are required to compare the language found in these formal settings to their own language use in social settings by doing the following:
• Take stock of the dominant words in your vocabulary and think about how this may empower or disenfranchise individuals
• Read and analyse the language in health discourse and consider how such words may influence actions toward improved health or otherwise
• What are some of the differences or similarities between your language use and those in the formal documents?
• What do you think may have influenced your word or language choices? Why do you think you use some words instead of others? Why would the authors of the formal documents you analysed prefer certain words/phrases over others?
• What impact do those words have on the lives of the persons affected?
