Language and discrimination Flashcards
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis + theorist
Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf, 1929
The idea that an individuals thoughts and actions are influenced by the language that individual speaks
Linguistic determination
Concept of peoples thoughts and actions being determined by their language
Linguistic reflectionism
Concept of peoples thoughts and actions being only somewhat shaped by their language, existing relative to language
Markedness
The dominant term is known as the ‘unmarked’, being neutral (perhaps of gender) or reflecting a norm. Additions to the unmarked form, such as affixing a derivational bound morpheme eg “the suffix ess in waitress”, pre-modifying or compounding, suggests a less frequent notion (eg ‘Male nurse’)
Direct/ Indirect sexism + theorist
(sara mills)
Direct sexism can be straightforwardly identified through the use of linguistic markers, associated with the expression of discriminatory opinions about women, who are seen as an inferior group in relation to males. Indirect sexism is when a writer/speaker’s discourse expresses sexism whilst at the same time denying responsibility for it
Indirect homophobia + theorist
Robbie Love and Paul Baker
Studied how British parlimentary arguments against LGBTQ equality have changed as social accecibility of discriminatory language has fallen. They found homophobic discourse “responds” to pressure by transforming its nature. Such discourse can be more difficult to identify and challenge, however, requiring a more in-depth and critical form of analysis
Gatekeeping + theorist
Deborah Cameron
A gatekeeper decides which information will go forward and enter the system. Language is regularised by gatekeeping institutes such as education, publishing, media and lexicography
Dominant and Muted group theory
Ardner and Ardner
In any culture there are more and less powerful groups. The more powerful social groups control the means of communication eg the press, and therefor reflect the views of this dominant group. Other groups are excluded from using or are ignored by these means of communication and thus become muted groups as they are denied from expressing themselves
Negative Semantic Space + theorist
Julia Stanley
The notion that marked forms (eg np lady doctor, compound noun poliecewoman) push women into a space where connotation is negative
Androcentric language + theorist
Anne Bodine
Bias in the language in favour of males. such as the colloquial expression “hey guys” and the word order of the noun “his and hers” “kings and queens” “boys and girls” which reflects a male-centric worldview however “ladies and gentlemen”
Lexical Asymmetry + theorist
Muriel Shulz
The idea that there are more negative connotations on words for women. Words that are ‘marked’ for females go through the process of pejoration whereas male gendered synonyms don’t.
eg “mistress” has obtained a specifically sexual derogatory meaning, while master did not acquire this meaning
Euphemism treadmill
Stephen Pinker
The process whereby words introduced to replace an offensive word, over time become offensive themselves
Imbecile-Historically a medical and psycological classification tp decribe someone with a moderate intellectual disability
Became “R**d” - the more dominant clinical term which evolved into a slur which derives from the active verb “R*tarded”, which means to delay or hold back
and now the more socially acceptable relative clause “who has a learning difficulty” may follow the common noun “person”
Feminism and linguistic reform
Anne Pauwels
The notion that reforms have taken place at institutional level (law, broadcast media) to achieve linguistic equality. Non-sexist guidelines adopted by the media in particular, have been the main instrument of promoting feminist language reform
Intersectionality
The intersection of racism, sexism, and homophobia, understanding how language can compound the discrimination experienced by individuals with multiple marginalised identities
Speech act theory + theorist
Austin 1962
The idea that language expressed by an individual that not only presents information but also performs an action as well
One of the three acts, Illocutionary Act, (the intended force or function behind the utterance), may The illocutionary force behind the utterance may be to insult, offend, intimidate, or marginalize individuals based on their protected characteristics. For example, using a racial slur is not merely describing someone’s race but also expressing hatred or disdain towards them.
