A Languaging Turn in Relationality with Other Animals: A Critical Ethical Analysis of Material Semiotic Practices in Animal Welfare Science

Languaging practices are crucial in constructing any hierarchical social structures and reality. This dissertation presents a critical analysis of the ethical and material impacts of language in the sociocultural undermining of oppressed groups and extends this to other-than-human animals with the specific aim of considering the ethics of language in animal welfare. Drawing on literature from various disciplines, the ethical implications of unquestioned language practices that contribute to the marginalisation and oppression of groups who have been objectified and othered, as well as the maintenance of oppressive systems in society are clarified. This is done through a radical constructivist lens that allows us to consider the need to question the language practices that allow humans to objectify, exploit, or cause harm to other animals. It highlights how the weaponisation of animality against marginalised groups raises questions about how we speak about and think of other animals and draws attention to the frequent objectification of other animals through language. The emphasis of the positivist scientific community on objectivity and objective language can cause harm to other-than-human animals, particularly in research settings, by reinforcing their objectified status. By examining language norms and their impact on other-than-human animals, particularly in the context of welfare science, this analysis sheds light on the unconscious biases within normalised English language practices that can contribute to the oppression and harm of other-than-human animalsand limit scientific and ethical progress. A languaging turn within animal welfare science would therefore encourage more ethical relationality with other animals and more just scientific practices.This should include changes to editorial guidelines and the development of policies that reflect dignity and respect for all animals using accurate and inclusive language that extends across species lines.