Voices Around the World - Unit 4 PC Language

Summary

The video script discusses the evolution and importance of politically correct (PC) language across various social contexts. It highlights the shift from gender-specific to inclusive terms, the sensitivity in addressing different genders and people with disabilities, and the use of euphemisms. The script emphasizes the necessity of PC language in professions like education, journalism, and government to foster respect and avoid offense, reflecting the societal move towards inclusivity and understanding.

Takeaways

• 🔠 The importance of using politically correct (PC) language has evolved over time to respect and avoid offending different groups of people.
• 👥 Gender-specific language has been updated to be more inclusive, such as using 'firefighter' instead of 'fireman' and 'human-kind' instead of 'man-kind'.
• 👥👥 The use of 'their' as a singular pronoun has become more accepted to replace 'his/her' for smoother language, despite its traditional plural form.
• 🌐 Cultural sensitivity is crucial in language, with the speaker noting a personal journey from using traditional terms to respecting modern PC language.
• 👵👦 Age and gender terms have shifted, with 'girl' being appropriate for those under 18 and 'woman' for those older, reflecting respect and equality.
• 🤕 The language used to describe people with disabilities has changed from derogatory terms to more respectful ones like 'developmentally handicapped' or 'visually impaired'.
• 🌍 Euphemisms are used in every language and culture as a mild or indirect way to refer to unpleasant topics, with examples given in both English and the speaker's native language.
• 📚 Professional fields such as business management, education, and journalism require the use of PC language to maintain respectful and professional interactions.
• 🏛 Laws and regulations against discrimination encourage the use of PC language in the workplace and in public interactions, promoting inclusivity and respect.
• 🏢 In the workplace, especially in management, the use of PC language is crucial to prevent offending employees and maintaining a harmonious professional environment.
• 📖 Educators are expected to use PC language to respect the diverse backgrounds of students, fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and tolerance.
• 🗣️ Journalists must be mindful of PC language to avoid offending their audience and to maintain the credibility and reputation of their media outlets.

Q & A

What is politically correct language?

Politically correct language is a way of speaking and writing that is intended to avoid offense or disadvantage to members of particular groups in society, especially those who have historically been marginalized or discriminated against.

Why is it important to use gender-specific language in PC language?

Using gender-specific language in PC language is important to avoid reinforcing gender stereotypes and to acknowledge and respect the identities of all individuals, regardless of their gender.

What is the difference between 'man-kind' and 'human-kind' in terms of political correctness?

'Man-kind' is an older term that can be seen as male-centric and excluding of women, whereas 'human-kind' is a more inclusive term that acknowledges both men and women as part of humanity.

Why has the term 'he/she' been replaced by 'their' in some contexts?

The use of 'their' instead of 'he/she' has become more common as a way to avoid the awkwardness of compound pronouns and to promote gender neutrality, even though 'their' is traditionally a plural pronoun.

How has the perception of PC language changed over time according to the transcript?

The perception of PC language has evolved from a lack of awareness to a growing understanding and respect for different cultures and groups. It has become a necessary part of polite society to avoid offending others and to build bridges of understanding.

What is the significance of using respectful terms when referring to people with disabilities?

Using respectful terms when referring to people with disabilities is crucial to avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes and to promote dignity and equality. It acknowledges the person's identity beyond their disability.

What is the role of euphemism in PC language?

Euphemisms in PC language serve as mild or indirect expressions that replace harsher terms when referring to sensitive or unpleasant subjects, aiming to minimize offense and promote respectful communication.

Why is it important to use specific terms for different ethnic groups instead of general terms like 'Asian' or 'Oriental'?

Using specific terms for different ethnic groups recognizes and respects the unique cultural, national, and ethnic backgrounds of individuals, avoiding the lumping together of diverse identities under broad and potentially insensitive categories.

What are some examples of PC terms from the transcript's speaker's native language?

Examples from the speaker's native language include 'biliminsanı' instead of 'bilimadamı' to avoid gender discrimination, and 'Türkiyeli' as a more inclusive term for citizens of Turkey instead of the more nationalistic 'Turk'.

Why is the use of the n-word considered extremely offensive and inappropriate?

The n-word is considered extremely offensive due to its historical use as a derogatory term associated with violence, brutality, and racial discrimination against black people. It carries a deep and painful history that cannot be erased, even with attempts at reclamation.

How does the court system influence the use of PC language in American society?

The court system influences the use of PC language by providing legal recourse for those who feel offended or discriminated against, encouraging individuals and organizations to be mindful of their language to avoid potential lawsuits.

In what professional settings is the use of PC language particularly important according to the transcript?

PC language is particularly important in professional settings such as public relations, education, government, business management, and journalism, where interactions with diverse groups are common and the stakes for causing offense can be high.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Evolution of Politically Correct Language

The first paragraph discusses the concept of politically correct (PC) language and its importance in modern society. It highlights the evolution of terms to promote gender equality and inclusivity, such as using 'firefighter' instead of 'fireman' and 'human-kind' instead of 'man-kind'. The paragraph also touches on the shift from singular 'he' to 'he/she' or 'their', reflecting a more inclusive language. It emphasizes the cultural sensitivity required when addressing different groups, especially in terms of gender and disability, and the use of euphemisms to soften the impact of harsh realities. The speaker shares personal experiences and observations on the changes in language use over time, advocating for respect and understanding in communication across cultures.

05:02

🌍 Respectful Terminology in Diverse Societies

The second paragraph delves into the nuances of PC language in addressing ethnic minorities and the evolution of terms used for racial and cultural identification. It mentions the transition from terms like 'Indian' to 'Native American' or 'First Nations’ Peoples', and the preference for more specific identifiers such as 'Cherokee' or 'Hopi'. The paragraph also addresses the shift from 'Oriental' to 'Asian' and the importance of specifying nationalities like Chinese, Japanese, or Korean. A strong warning is issued against the use of the n-word, emphasizing its deeply offensive history and impact. The speaker discusses the sensitivity around racial terms in American society and the potential for misunderstanding and offense, advocating for the use of respectful language in professional and public interactions.

10:04

🏢 The Role of Politically Correct Language in Professional Settings

The third paragraph examines the use of PC language in various professional environments, including business management, education, and journalism. It underscores the importance of respectful communication in maintaining harmony within organizations and the potential legal repercussions of offensive language. The paragraph highlights the role of educators in modeling inclusive behavior and the responsibility of journalists to avoid causing offense that could lead to job loss or public unrest. It also touches on the influence of the court system in promoting PC language and the impact of laws and regulations against discrimination. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the value of inclusive and respectful language as a norm in democratic societies, suggesting that using PC language is not just about political correctness but about mutual respect.

Keywords

💡Politically Correct Language

Politically correct language, often abbreviated as 'PC language', refers to the use of language, phrases, or terms that are intended to avoid offense or disadvantage to members of particular groups in society. In the video, it is the central theme, discussed in various contexts such as gender-specific language, terms for people with disabilities, and racial sensitivities. It is presented as a necessary tool for respectful communication and understanding between different cultures and social groups.

💡Gender Specific Language

Gender specific language refers to the use of terms that are tailored to acknowledge and respect the gender identity of individuals. The script mentions terms like 'firefighter' and 'police officer' instead of 'fireman' and 'policeman', illustrating the shift away from gendered job titles to more inclusive language. This concept is integral to the video's discussion on PC language, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting all genders.

💡Euphemism

A euphemism is a mild, indirect, or vague term used to replace one that may be considered harsh, blunt, or offensive. The script provides examples such as 'passed away' instead of 'died', and 'differently-abled' instead of 'handicapped'. Euphemisms are discussed in the context of PC language as a way to soften the impact of certain words and to show consideration for the feelings of others.

💡Handicapped

The term 'handicapped' has evolved in its usage and connotation over time. In the script, it is mentioned that terms like 'retarded' are now considered offensive, and have been replaced with 'developmentally handicapped', 'visually impaired', or 'hearing impaired'. The discussion around this keyword highlights the sensitivity and evolving nature of language when referring to people with disabilities, and the importance of using terms that respect and acknowledge their experiences.

💡Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural sensitivity refers to the awareness and respect for the different cultural practices, beliefs, and values of diverse groups of people. The script discusses the importance of using PC language to build bridges of understanding between different cultures, such as using 'Türkiyeli' instead of 'Turk' in Turkey, and avoiding the use of the n-word in American English. This concept is crucial to the video's message about the need for respectful communication across cultures.

💡Ethnic Minority

An ethnic minority refers to a group of people who identify with or are identified as being different from the majority ethnic group in a given population. The script touches on the use of more respectful terms for people in ethnic minority communities, such as 'people-of-color' (PoC) and 'Native Americans'. This keyword is significant in the video's exploration of PC language as it underscores the need to acknowledge and respect the identities of all ethnic groups.

💡Racial Divide

The racial divide refers to the social, economic, and political differences and disparities that exist between different racial groups in a society. The script mentions the extreme sensitivity between races in America due to historical racism and stereotyping. This keyword is important in the video's narrative as it highlights the role of PC language in mitigating racial tensions and fostering understanding.

💡Stereotyping

Stereotyping is the act of assigning fixed, oversimplified characteristics to all members of a group, often based on prejudice. The script discusses the impact of stereotyping on racial and ethnic groups, and how the use of PC language can help to counteract these negative generalizations. This concept is key to understanding the video's argument for the importance of respectful and accurate language.

💡Professionalism

Professionalism refers to the conduct, aura, and qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. In the script, professionalism is linked to the use of PC language in various professions such as business management, education, and journalism. The video suggests that using PC language is part of maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor in the workplace and in public interactions.

💡Discrimination

Discrimination is the unfair treatment of people based on their membership in a particular group, such as their race, gender, age, or disability. The script mentions laws and regulations that bar discrimination and encourage the use of PC language. This keyword is central to the video's theme as it illustrates the legal and ethical reasons for adopting PC language in society.

💡Inclusive Language

Inclusive language is a form of communication that intentionally works to include all people and avoid expressions that marginalize or exclude certain groups. The script advocates for the use of inclusive language, such as specifying 'Chinese', 'Japanese', 'Korean', or 'Indian' instead of using the broader term 'Asian'. This keyword is significant in the video's message about the importance of recognizing and respecting diversity in language.

Highlights

Introduction of politically correct (PC) language in Unit 4.

Importance of using gender-neutral terms like 'firefighter' and 'police officer'.

Shift from 'man-kind' to 'human-kind' and 'man-made' to 'artificial'.

Use of 'their' as a singular pronoun to replace 'his/her'.

The evolution of language to be more respectful and less offensive.

The significance of respecting different cultures and people groups to avoid offense.

Sensitivity in addressing women with appropriate terms like 'woman' instead of 'girl'.

The change in terminology for people with disabilities to be more respectful.

Disagreement on 'politically correct' terms for disabilities and the impact on those affected.

Use of euphemisms in language to soften the impact of harsh terms.

Examples of PC language changes in Turkish to avoid gender and cultural discrimination.

The shift from using 'Turk' to 'Türkiyeli' to denote a citizen of Turkey.

The adoption of terms like 'people-of-color' and the move away from terms like 'Indian'.

The importance of using specific tribal or national names instead of generalized terms.

The transition from 'Oriental' to 'Asian' and the further specification to individual nationalities.

The serious implications of using the n-word and its historical context of violence and derogation.

The sensitivity around racial terms and the importance of using terms like 'African-American'.

Critiques of PC language suggesting over-sensitivity and the need for understanding.

The necessity of PC language in professions like public relations, education, and journalism.

The role of PC language in maintaining smooth operations and respectful interactions in business management.

The importance of PC language in education to foster respect and acceptance among students.

The impact of PC language in journalism to avoid offense and maintain credibility.

The influence of the court system and laws against discrimination on the use of PC language.

The view that inclusive and respectful language is not just politically correct but morally right.

Agreement on the importance of PC language in education and government, and among various groups.

Concerns about the overuse of PC language and the balance needed in communication.

The ultimate goal of PC language to show mutual respect and facilitate cross-cultural communication.

Transcripts

In Unit 4, PC language,

or politically correct language was introduced.

In the following interview, you will have a chance

to listen to several respondents from different nations

discussing some issues regarding PC language.

There are several categories in English to consider

when thinking about politically correct language.

First is gender specific language:

You probably know you should say “firefighter” and “police officer,”

instead of “fireman” and “policeman.”

Instead of “man-kind,” it is now appropriate to use “human-kind.”

Another example is changing from the use of “man-made” to “artificial.”

In addition, you probably learned to use he/she instead of just he.

Most recently it has become common

and correct to use “their” for his/her,

even though it is plural. For example, instead of

it is now appropriate to say or write,

It is just a lot smoother than “his/her.”

Yes, when I was little, there was no such thing as PC terms.

We just labeled the people group the way that

our parents or the media called them.

As I grew into an adult,

I discovered the importance of respecting other people groups and cultures

so as not to offend them.

This sensitivity to the language I use can be a necessary way

to be more polite in society and help build a bridge of understanding

between two distinct cultures or people groups.

Here are some examples that I often encounter

as a native speaker of English.

First of all, there is sensitivity when referring to the opposite gender,

specifically when a man addresses a woman.

For example, the word “girl” refers to a young female under the age of 18.

When she reaches 18, she is called a “woman”

and any reference to her being a “girl” is swiftly corrected

to the proper PC term of “woman.”

This was not the case fifty years ago

when women even in their 30’s and 40’s were still referred to as “girls.”

In my opinion, this is a good change,

revealing an important aspect of etiquette that must be addressed in our society,

specifically in treating women with respect and equality.

Another area of PC language is terms used to identify people

who have some kind of handicap.

While “retarded” is considered very offensive now,

it has changed to developmentally handicapped

there is disagreement with other terms as

calling blind people “visually impaired” or calling deaf people “hearing impaired.”

Some blind or deaf people consider these “politically correct” terms

as just a way to make seeing and hearing people feel better

while hiding the actual difficult situations or discrimination

that handicapped people face.

Years ago the word “sakat” (crippled) in my native language

first became “özürlü” (disabled)

and now the word “engelli” (handicapped, person with obstacle) is used.

For example, for deaf people we say “işitme engelli” (hearing-impaired),

and for blind people we use “görme engelli” (visually-impaired).

Actually these examples can be classified also as a euphemism

and this exists in every language and culture.

And a euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression

substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt

when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.

One says in English, for example,

“passed away” instead of “died”,

“differently-abled” instead of “handicapped” or “disabled”.

However, for some real PC terms,

I can give you some examples from my native language:

before there was “bilimadamı” (scienceman, scientist),

now because of avoiding sexual discrimination,

we use “biliminsanı” (science person, scientist).

There is another PC term referring to a citizen of my country.

In the past, the word Turk was used for almost every citizen of Turkey,

but now the word Türkiyeli (Turkeyer, one from Turkey) is more popular.

Anyway, nationalists still refuse to use this term at all.

Another recent change is in the use of more respectful terms

for people in ethnic minority communities.

In general, the term, people-of-color (PoC) is now used to refer to

non-whites by people from any group.

In addition, instead of “Indian,”

the original peoples of North America are now more often referred to as

Native Americans or First Nations’ Peoples,

though American Indians may be used.

This also helps to distinguish them from Indians, people from India.

Furthermore, the words, aborigines or aboriginals are not used so much anymore.

The best solution is to actually find out

and use the proper name of the tribe or nation,

such as Cherokee or Hopi,

or in Taiwan, Ahmei or Paiwan, for example.

Similarly, the term, “Asian,” has replaced Oriental,

but even better is to specify Chinese/Japanese/Korean/Indian for individuals

in order to recognize that they all represent people

from very different national, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

Finally, I have to mention something extremely serious.

For decades, it has been customary to use “African American” instead of “negro,”

but I have heard students in Taiwan use “nigger.”

I can’t even say or type that word, the n-word, without terrible feelings.

I strongly advise students in Taiwan to NEVER use it.

It is loaded with meaning like no other word in American English

and extremely difficult to understand.

In an interview published by the website,

Teaching Tolerance, Dr. Neal A. Lester,

a black professor at Arizona State University,

who taught a course on the n-word, explained:

We know, at least in the history I’ve looked at,

that the word started off as just a descriptor, “negro,”

with no value attached to it. …

We know that as early as the 17th century,

“negro” evolved to “nigger” as intentionally derogatory,

and it has never been able to shed that baggage since then—

even when black people talk about appropriating and re-appropriating it.

The poison is still there.

The word is inextricably linked with violence and brutality on black psyches

and derogatory aspersions [slurs] cast on black bodies.

No degree of appropriating can rid it of that blood-soaked history.

The n-word is poison; just don’t use it,

even, or especially, as a joke.

This is as true for non-black people of color as much as it is for white people.

In addition to causing offense to genders,

when it comes to offending people in America,

there is often extreme sensitivity between races.

This is because of tension due to racism and stereotyping between ethnicities

that has been prevalent throughout American history

and still resonates among most minorities today.

Indeed, the offense to another race, whether intentional or unintentional,

can result in a broken personal relationship and a widening of the racial divide.

Examples of this include being careful to say

“Native American” instead of Indian;

“African-American” instead of black;

“Caucasian” instead of white;

and “Asian” instead of Oriental.

Some critics of PC language have claimed that we take this too far.

They say that people these days are over-sensitive to

those who don’t use PC language.

In some ways, they are not wrong.

Some people may just be ignorant of that culture or innocently inconsiderate of

another person’s feelings about personal racism and discrimination.

Everyone who has no experience interacting with another race or culture

is ignorant to some degree,

so it takes a measure of flexibility and understanding on both sides

to make the interaction peaceful.

I think in all of the professions related to public relations,

and in situations open to the public,

PC terms are used very often,

or at least in such professions and situations,

these terms must be used.

For example, politicians must be very careful of the words they use.

I think they usually are.

The people who work in the media must also be careful of what they say.

In America, in any given situation when one finds oneself

in an interaction with those who are different in race, religion, or culture,

there is going to be some form of PC language use.

The most common professions in which this is found

are in business management, education, and journalism.

In business management, managers strive to keep the company running smoothly

with professional and courteous interactions between management and staff

and between supervisors and employees.

Whenever there is a situation

where one person has a higher position of authority over another,

the chances of offending that person increase.

Therefore, managers use PC language in writing in-company emails and memos,

during private or public meetings,

and in any interaction with employees,

especially with underrepresented minorities.

Politically correct terminology is probably important in most professions,

but especially for those working with the public,

such as in education or government.

Teachers need to show respect for all types of students and parents,

no matter their ethnic background, socio-economic status,

or intellectual capabilities.

Teachers must also model proper social behavior

to encourage children to treat classmates well.

Hopefully, children will then grow up and be open-minded and kind adults.

In education in America, there is a great mix of cultural backgrounds

in students who enter the school system.

Teachers and principals usually try their best not to offend minorities

by making them feel welcome and accepted.

Part of this atmosphere of acceptance and tolerance is seen in the PC language

that educators use to respect and therefore connect with minority students.

In journalism, reporters in both print and TV media

try to use PC language as often as possible.

They know that if there is offensive language used,

it will reflect badly on the publication or TV channel

and people will stop reading or watching.

Reporters are constantly mindful of the PC language that they use

and how words have the power to offend or,

at worst, cause widespread rioting.

Because of this ultra-sensitivity in language,

reporters could find themselves quickly without a job

if a viewer or reader is highly offended by the lack of PC language use.

Another thing that keeps the American system using PC language is

the court system.

People in America typically find any reason to sue the one

who has offended them,

so this makes most companies, schools, and media continually PC-conscious.

In democratic and open societies,

the government should represent all of the people.

Therefore, administrators at all levels of government,

especially those who address residents’ and citizens’ concerns,

need to be able to do so respectfully.

They also need to acknowledge all groups in the society.

In many countries, there are laws that bar discrimination based on

ethnicity, age, ableness (meaning being handicapped),

and gender and gender identity.

Regulations are also made to avoid discrimination in the workplace.

These kinds of laws and regulations encourage the use of

politically correct language in all professions.

From my perspective, this type of inclusive and respectful language

has become the norm.

Extending a little bit of effort in how we speak to

and about others is not just “politically correct;”

it is the right thing to do.

As Professor Che explained, as global citizens,

we need to be respectful of all types of people.

All respondents agree that the use of PC language is especially important in

education and government.

as one as among gender, ethnicity, media,

and people with disability.

Some respondents also express their concern of PC language being overused.

After listening to their responses, ask yourself if you agree with them.

Regardless, we need to always remember

that the real purpose of using PC language

is to show mutual respect to the people around us.

Therefore, when you have a chance to communicate cross culturally,

you need to be aware of the necessity of using some PC language.