ABCD-Training-of-Trainers-Tools-July-2013

1.3. Language and Labels
(Source: Coady International Institute)
Session Title
Session Objectives
Duration of Session
Resources
Training Materials
Language and Labels
Challenge participants to think critically about the commonly used
language in the development sector and how it can perpetuate
inaccurate (and often negative) stereotypes of the communities where
we work
Contrast needs-based and asset-based language
60 minutes
Flip chart
Markers
None
Introduction
An ABCD approach rests on the principle that everyone has something to contribute, even those who we
sometimes call the “poorest of the poor.” However, using this language can unintentionally undermine
this principle because we are identifying people by their deficits and their lack of assets. Labeling people
in this way can lead them to believe that they have nothing to contribute and can result in apathy, a
sense of helplessness and a dependence on outside institutions to “develop” them. This means that we
must think carefully about the language we use to describe the people we are working with at the
community level so that their gifts and talents, no matter how few or how many, are the starting point
for our engagement.
Instructions
It is useful to introduce this exercise by showing the film “The Danger of a Single Story” because it shows
how the language we use can create meaning and stereotypes.
The Danger of a Single Story:
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html
After the videos, ask participants:
• Is the “danger of a single story” an issue for you and your work?
• What kind of language does your organization uses to describe the people that you work with?
(Sometimes people become defensive so it may be easier to ask how the mainstream media
typically describes the people that they work with).
• How do you portray the communities where you work in your brochures, funding proposals and
reports?(People will often say “poorest of the poor”, “ultra poor”, “bottom billion”, “beneficiaries”,
“target groups”, “needy,” but they will also highlight more positive language like “citizens,”
“partners” etc. Try to draw out both).
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