In her TEDx talk, Sophia Lopez-Ramirez explores the power of non-standard English in bringing people together. She explains how language, specifically dialects and accents, can often be used to divide us based on socioeconomic status, education, and cultural backgrounds. However, Lopez-Ramirez challenges this notion and highlights how non-standard English can actually build connections and create a sense of community.
Using personal anecdotes and examples, Lopez-Ramirez demonstrates how embracing and celebrating linguistic diversity can foster empathy, understanding, and inclusivity. She shares stories of how non-standard English has helped her connect with others, break down barriers, and form genuine relationships.
Overall, Lopez-Ramirez’s TEDx talk emphasizes the importance of valuing and respecting all forms of English, as they play a significant role in uniting us as human beings. She encourages listeners to embrace linguistic differences and use language as a tool for building bridges and forging meaningful connections.
Watch the video by TEDxTalks
Author Video Description
Sophia shares what she has learned about culture and community as a spelling-bee champion and an explorer of language. Sophia is a junior at Cedarville High School who loves to learn new words. She represented the Dayton Area in the Scripps National Spelling Bee three times and explored word origins and language patterns in her studies. Through her experiences growing up with the spelling community and attending a rural school, Sophia has found an interest in both standard and non-standard forms of English. She encourages exploration of the growing English language and continues to learn about the intersections between linguistics, geography, and policy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
About TEDxTalks
TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “How non-standard English bonds us | Sophia Lopez-Ramirez | TEDxYouth@Dayton” was uploaded on 04/21/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks