Plain Language in AA: A Necessary Change or Unneeded Disruption?
Episode Overview
Debate on the necessity of translating the Alcoholics Anonymous book into plain and simple language Emphasis on the importance of personal connections and one-on-one support in the recovery process Skepticism about whether the proposed translation truly represents the collective voice of the fellowship Highlighting the essence of recovery lying in spirituality and self-knowledge rather than academic language Concerns about potential division within the fellowship due to the proposed translation
I think the bottom line is that the plain language translation book is probably unnecessary. And if you are someone who has more information or you're willing to have like an open-minded, honest conversation, like we would love to have you on and have a part two of this conversation.
Ever wondered if translating the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) book into plain language is a good idea? In this episode of 'Alcoholics Alive!', hosts Shank and Wayne dive deep into this heated debate. As recovered members of AA, they bring a wealth of experience and passion to the table, questioning whether simplifying the book’s language will help or hinder the fellowship. Shank and Wayne start by discussing the potential benefits of a plain language translation.
They acknowledge that making the book more accessible could help newcomers who might struggle with the original text. However, they also express concerns about whether this new version would truly capture the spirit and depth of the original work. Throughout their candid conversation, the hosts emphasize the importance of personal connections and one-on-one support in the recovery process. They argue that recovery is more about spirituality and self-knowledge than academic language.
The essence of AA, they believe, lies in these personal interactions rather than the words on the page. Shank and Wayne also share their skepticism about whether the proposed translation represents the collective voice of the fellowship. They worry that it could create divisions within AA, as members might disagree on which version of the book to use.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamics of AA and the potential impact of introducing a plain language version of its foundational text. So, if you’re curious about how language affects recovery and want to hear a thoughtful discussion on this topic, tune in to Shank and Wayne’s engaging debate. Their insights might just change how you view the role of language in sobriety.