Language as we know it emerged together with linear time and abstract thought. As a linguist and a parent, it has struck me how the labelling of things seems to actually create distance between us and the object rather than creating a more intimate experience of it. It is used literally to create subject and object, leaving out the inter-subjectiveness that is the reality of all things. This talk explores the impact that language is having on our experience and interaction with the world, and how we might use words more consciously to build relationships and interact co-creatively with all life. This talk is part of the Merry Musings series that is available for credit at Ubiquity University – click here.