Im Rahmen unseres Kolloquiums laden wir Sie herzlich zum Gastvortrag von Prof. Dr. Magdalena Formanowicz (SWPS University Warschau, Polen) zum Thema „Words of Power: Linguistic Agency as a Force for Shaping and Shifting Group Dynamics” ein.
Der Vortrag findet am 17.06.26 von 10.15 – 11.45 Uhr im Seminarraum 02.219 in der Nägelsbachstr. 49b in Erlangen statt.
Abstract:
In this talk, I explore the power of language as a window into human agency—the capacity to act with purpose and intention within social contexts. Agency is more than an individual trait; it is a socioculturally mediated force deeply embedded in social interactions, shaping and reshaping societal structures. This presentation synthesizes recent research to reveal how agency is encoded across various linguistic layers, demonstrating how language both reflects and reinforces attention to agency in group dynamics, influencing the maintenance or transformation of social arrangements. Through an analysis of research on linguistic cues—such as semantics, grammar, and metaphor—I will illustrate how agency surfaces in communication, influencing how we form and perpetuate stereotypes, perceive others, and reinforce or challenge social hierarchies. Findings from experimental studies, correlational data, and cutting-edge natural language processing show how language subtly but powerfully directs attention toward agency, prioritizing certain actors or narratives in ways that shape our responses and decisions. By examining language’s role in both reproducing and disrupting social structures, this talk emphasizes the significance of linguistic analysis within social psychology and proposes actionable tools for researchers and policymakers alike. The goal is to encourage a deeper understanding of how language serves not only as a mirror of social order but also as a means to influence it. This presentation invites attendees to view language as a dynamic vehicle for understanding agency’s role in social perception, group dynamics, and the potential for social change.