Word Against Word
On the Role of Language in Times of Conflict
Language: Dutch
Location: OBA Oosterdok, Oosterdokskade 143
Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
The war between Israel and Hamas affects and divides many Dutch people, including those who have no direct connection to Israel or Palestine. Language plays an important role in this discord.
Word choices can make people shut off, stop listening to each other, or even refuse to share the same stage. Take the first sentence of this text: the words war and Palestine are already controversial in this context. ‘War?’ says one. ‘You mean genocide.’ ‘Palestine? That doesn’t even exist,’ says the other.
During Word Against Word, together with philosopher and polarization expert Bart Brandsma, we will explore the polarizing power of language: when language is used not to understand each other, but as a weapon, to entrench ourselves, or even to deny the other's right to use their words. We will speak with various writers about how they use language, their beliefs behind this use, and what they hope to achieve.
Featuring: Chaja Polak, Bart Brandsma, Karin Amatmoekrim, Naeeda Aurangzeb, and Femmetje de Wind
Music: Maya Fridman and Channa Malkin
Admission: €10,00 (€5,00 for OBA members)
Through a series of six public programs at different venues, the Jewish Museum explores the impact of the war in Gaza on Dutch society.
This event is part of the And now?! programme and is supported by the Netty Rosenfeld Fund
