Amelia Glaser: War Changes Language

Amelia Glaser: War Changes Language

Maria Sandoval


The concept of war changing language, a theme that emerged from the initial readings and was further illuminated in Glaser’s talk, captured my interest. This was particularly resonant when paired with Sylvynsky's reading of 'War Vocabulary'. Glaser's poetry archive offers insightful revelations into the linguistic shifts from 2014 to 2022, a period that saw more than changes in lexicon but witnessed an evolution in identity, culture, and political orientation. Particularly notable was the change from Russian to Ukrainian language usage, which, if memory serves, altered significantly from 70% to 40% (?). This linguistic transition reflected an emerging nationalistic sentiment and a move toward cultural independence, with the increasing prevalence of Ukrainian symbolizing both autonomy and resistance.


Moreover, the project highlighted a significant transformation in the languages used for translating poetry, indicative of a change in both the audience and their perspectives. Glaser observed an expansion in the range of foreign languages present in Facebook comments, signifying the growing role of translators in this evolving dialogue. The phenomenon of poems being translated from their original language into various others illustrates how war can shift the focus of culture and literature, creating a new platform for once non-existent cross-cultural interaction. As pointed out by an audience member, this dynamic effectively 'turns poets into diplomats.’


In the 'War Vocabulary' reading, the profound impact of conflict on everyday language is evident. Words typically associated with leisure and routine, like 'Prague' and 'shower,' are imbued with new, often somber meanings. A teenage girl from Kharkiv reflects on Prague not just as a city but as a symbol of lost dreams and delayed pleasures, now tainted by the harsh realities of war.


Similarly, Oleksandr from Bucha shares a mundane activity – taking a shower – under the shadow of war. This everyday act becomes a moment of vulnerability and fear, a stark reminder of the constant threat posed by the conflict. His comment about the possibility of becoming a war victim "with a soapy bare butt" contrasts the normalcy of showering with the tragedy of war. 


These narratives from Glaser's project powerfully illustrate how war changes language by changing its meaning. Words and phrases that once belonged to the realm of the everyday acquire heavy, often tragic, undertones. This shift in language is not just a linguistic curiosity; it's a reflection of the profound impact war has on human experience, perception, and expression.


As we consider the shift from Russian to Ukrainian and the changes in the translation languages of poems, we must also recognize how war alters the emotional landscape of language. This project is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as people find ways to express their experiences, fears, and hopes in a world turned upside down by conflict.

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