Copying and Coping Conceptualizations of Language: Counseling and the Ethic of Appreciation for Human Differences

Abstract

The author takes the position that the foundational value of the counseling profession is an ethic of appreciation for human differences. The professional tool that is used to actualize this value is language. In this regard, the philosophical distinction between copying and coping conceptualizations of language is overviewed. The author argues that the value of the counseling profession is optimally actualized when a coping conceptualization of language is adopted. Implications for current ideological movements and the future of the profession are discussed.

‘My language thing … is like a big shadow always behind me’: International counselling trainees' challenges in beginning clinical practice

“…Finally, second language use seems to be a significant source of practice-related anxiety. Given the growing number of international trainees, the fundamental role that language plays in counselling practice (Hansen, 2008) and the anxiety that this may generate, it seems essential to draw attention to the issue of second language use in counselling practice and find ways to support non-native speaking trainees during counsellor education. Morris and Lee (2004) recommended distinct tools to enhance ICTs' training process, which were mostly aimed to improve their English proficiency and acculturation levels.…”

Talking About Counseling: A Plea to Return to Humanistic Language

“…Language, then, like any other selected characteristic, is a tool to cope with reality. As a mere tool for coping, language cannot possibly transform into a “media for copying” (Rorty, , p. 185) reality (Hansen, ). Just as it would be absurd to suppose that a fork, as a tool for eating, could somehow copy the true essence of eating, it is just as absurd to suppose that language, as a tool, could ever copy (i.e., correspond to) some essential reality.…”