From the Classroom: Ben Perry

This semester, Ben Perry enrolled in LING 4981, Special Topics: Peace Linguistics. In this course, students discuss how language can be used to de-escalate conflict. In a recent class session, we had Utah attorney and mediator Michael Thornock visit to share his experiences, including practical steps for finding common ground and understanding different perspectives.

Ben reflects on this class experience:

Our class recently had the opportunity to hear from Utah attorney and mediator Michael Thornock. He explained how he began mediating after noticing a lack of Spanish-speaking mediators in Utah and shared what he has learned about peace since then. His work often involves tense and stressful situations, where understanding and communicating peacefully between parties is critical. He frequently handles family cases involving children, and an important part of his role is remaining neutral. He listens to both parents and helps them find solutions that work for everyone involved.

Michael demonstrated how he applies principles of peaceful communication in his work. He often uses affect labeling—a technique in which you objectively state someone’s feelings. For example, saying, “You are frustrated right now,” can help people recognize and process their emotions, allowing them to think more clearly about the conflict. He also showed us how to identify and communicate positives even in difficult situations, such as losing a job or discovering a spouse’s infidelity.

Throughout the session, Michael actively engaged the class in exercises that encouraged us to reframe situations, find positives, and communicate peacefully in mock scenarios. I left his talk with a stronger understanding of how peace linguistics can guide conflict management and mediation. Successful resolution requires parties to approach each other with respect and a conscious awareness of one another’s perspectives.

Students interested in learning more about Peace Linguistics can contact Michelle Lung, Linguistics PhD student, at michelle.lung@utah.edu.

For information about more linguistics courses, contact our academic advisor at ling-advising@utah.edu.