Language Matters
Language as a vehicle of discrimination
- Extra-visibility or emphasis on difference
- Stereotyping
- Derogatory labelling
- Imposed labelling
- References
Language as a vehicle of discrimination
Language both reflects and shapes social reality. Discriminatory language is therefore both a symptom of, and a contributor to, the unequal social status of women, people with disabilities and people from various ethnic and racial backgrounds.
The following information aims to encourage staff and students at UTS to think actively about the language they use.
Language is a major vehicle for the expression of prejudice or discrimination. Some of the major forms of discriminatory language are:
Extra-visibility or emphasis on difference
In many contexts it is quite unnecessary to mention a person's sex, race, ethnic background or disability. Yet for members of minority groups these characteristics are often mentioned. This type of gratuitous specification may result in overemphasis on a particular characteristic, thus creating the impression that the person referred to is somehow an oddity.
Stereotyping
A stereotype is a generalised and relatively fixed image of a person or persons belonging to a particular group. This image is formed by isolating or exaggerating certain features - physical, intellectual, cultural, occupational, personal, and so on - which seem to characterise the group. Stereotypes are discriminatory in that they take away a person's individuality. Although they may reflect elements of truth, these are usually misinterpreted or inaccurate owing to oversimplification. The status of minority groups in society is often adversely influenced by prevailing stereotypes of them.
Derogatory labelling
The discriminatory nature of derogatory labels used to describe members of minority groups is often obvious. However, derogatory labels are still commonly used, and must be avoided.
Imposed labelling
A characteristic often shared by minority groups is their lack of power to define themselves. Often the names and labels by which they are known, whether derogatory or not, have been imposed on them. Imposed labelling may be inaccurate in various ways and may also be alienating for the groups it supposedly describes.
Language is not fixed and static but is constantly evolving and changing as society's attitudes and practices change. Be aware of the development of new forms of expression that seek to describe our diverse society in non-discriminatory ways.
Acknowledgments
The above information is taken from the brochure titled 'Language Matters' and is primarily based on Anne Pauwels, Non-Discriminatory Language and other references.
References
References for further reading on using non-sexist language:
- Anne Pauwels, Non-Discriminatory Language
- Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, 1991
- Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers, 4th Edition
- Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, 1988
For an outline of the theoretical issues and guidance on using non-sexist language in academic writing:
- Francine Wattman Frank Language, Gender and Professional Writing: Theoretical Approaches and Guidelines for
- Paula A Treichler, Non-Sexist Usage
- The Modern Language Association of America, New York
