On the Emancipatory Potential of Web 2.0: Peer Creation of Language through Wordnik

Abstract

Historically, central authorities have maintained what is considered 'real' language, which has led to censored language systems and ultimately skewed knowledge. This has very real consequences for notions of knowledge creation, sharing, and management, as those who do not or are not able to express themselves in a 'real' language are marginalized or simply not heard with respect to knowledge. This has led many critical theorists to point out the oppressive nature of language, sometimes through technology. However, the blurring of boundaries of what can be considered 'local' or 'global' has highlighted the positive side of performativity and the emancipatory potential of Web 2.0, which are often overlooked in this context. This research-inprogress paper aims to begin an important discussion in critical IS literature by exploring these overlooked aspects, and presents their manifestations via peer creation of language through the Web 2.0 technology Wordnik. Implications and future research are discussed