Intra-team Dynamics and the Use of Language

A while ago we discussed the use of language, language games, and competition through language. This past weekend demonstrated to me the importance of language in shaping our relationships, and defining us. Last Thursday, early in the morning, I left with the Mock Trial team to compete in the National Championship Tournament in Minneapolis, MN. We had a great weekend, and did very well, however the circumstances of us going were what interested me the most. At our previous tournament we got 5th place which earned us a bid, however "we" are the Michigan B team. I am a co-captain of a team of technically "second tier" competitors. Over the course of the semester our team as been change, people have been moved between teams, and we have been forced to be very adaptable. At our last tournament we did not expect to earn a bid, we were happy that we came as far as we did, so when they called our name we ecstatic. However, our "A" team got 12th place, their name was not called, and it was their last tournament.

Ultimately we filled up the two extra spots on our team with two members from our A team. We told our friends and family, and all got ready to go to Nationals. My friend that was on our C team came to support us and noticed something very interesting, the original members of our team called it "our team" while the new members called it "this team". Additionally, the members of the A team that did not make it to Nationals told everyone "our team is not going to Nationals". Even more, the new members told their friends "my team did not make it but since another one did, and they are taking me, I get to compete still".

Now this is not that surprising, except for the juxtaposition with the members from our C team. The members of our C team, whose season has been over for time, told friends and family "our team is going to Nationals". Since our entire program consists of only 30 members, we are all very close friends. We support each other and understand we are all on the same team. At the end of the day, whether on A, B or C team, we are all representatives of Michigan Mock Trial. If we all understand that we are one team, then why does this difference in language occur? It is understandable that the members of the best team in our program not competing at Nationals would be upset, but the type of language used shows the divide between our teams. This language is not direct, snide or mean. Instead it is, subtle and unconscious. However, the small change from "our team" to "this team" has huge implications to the team dynamic. It reveals the underlying competition and jealousy between the members in our programs. The same members that are all best friends. Anytime teams are in competition with each other, there will be competition between individuals as well. Is there a way to combat this in the future? Is there a way to keep our team united and proud of our program no matter the outcome? Over the last few weeks I have tried to find this, but this subtle language reveals it will never be complete.