Associate Professor Jessi Grieser was recently featured in an article published by Crain's Detroit. The article delves into the various naming conventions used to refer to the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and how these names reflect broader social identities and affiliations.
In her contribution to the article, Professor Grieser offered expert insights into how the language people use to describe places can signify much more than mere preference. "We think of this as being an arbitrary, little, cute distinction, but it actually says a lot about who we are, what our relationship is with the state, and what our relationship is with the various cities that we live in within the state," Grieser explained. Her research focuses on how language serves as a powerful tool in creating and maintaining identities, particularly in relation to place and class.
Grieser highlighted that local residents and frequent travelers often refer to the airport as "Detroit Metro" or "DTW," and these choices can indicate their connection to the region. For example, she pointed out that someone who calls the airport "DTW" might be signaling an outsider status, whereas "Detroit Metro" emphasizes a strong identification with the city of Detroit. Grieser also noted that linguistic trends like these can evolve over time, influenced by community usage and individual interactions.
The article sheds light on the dynamic and complex nature of language, showcasing how even a simple choice of terms can reveal much about personal and collective identities.
A subscription to Crain's Detroit is required to read the full article.
