AA Grapevine, Inc.

AA Grapevine's Podcast

AA Grapevine, Inc.

  • Discussing The Language in the Big Book [Season 2, Episode 12]

Discussing The Language in the Big Book [Season 2, Episode 12]

Monday 21st March 2022

Jackie and Chess discuss updating the language in AA's Big Book, with Deb K. providing updates on new editions and plain-language translations.
39 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Engaging
Authentic
Hopeful

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AA Grapevine's Podcast
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AA Grapevine, Inc.
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The Language Debate: Evolving the Big Book for Today's Readers

For me, the image of that is me crawling up on the middle of the conference room table and being surrounded by amazing women who just loved me for an hour and took care of me.
Ever wondered if the language in AA's Big Book still resonates with today's readers? This episode of AA Grapevine's Podcast dives into this very question. Hosts Jackie and Chess engage in a lively discussion about the ongoing debate over updating the language in Alcoholics Anonymous' foundational text. They explore the history of AA literature, weigh the pros and cons of language changes, and consider the implications of a plain-language translation of the Big Book.
Adding depth to the conversation, Deb K., Chair of the Trustees Literature Committee, provides an insider's update on the upcoming fifth edition of the Big Book and the fourth edition of its Spanish-language counterpart. She also sheds light on the development of a plain-language version, aiming to make AA's message more accessible to a broader audience.
Hosts Don and Sam also chime in with their personal experiences on sponsorship and discuss how technology is playing a pivotal role in making AA more inclusive. Jackie sums it up perfectly: 'We want to make sure that we're as inclusive as possible, that we're reaching as many people as possible, and that we're speaking to people in a language that they can understand'.
Whether you're an AA member or just curious about its evolution, this episode offers valuable insights into how AA literature is adapting to meet the needs of its diverse community. Tune in to hear thoughtful perspectives on inclusivity, accessibility, and the future of AA's most iconic text.