Political Correctness Political Correctness

and and

politically correct languagepolitically correct language

Every human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station,

deserves respect. We must each respect others even

as we respect ourselves.

U. Thant

Politically correct language favours the development of a way of thinking that negates various forms of discrimination. It may have a positive effect on the respect and acknowledgement of social, cultural, ethnical diversity in the world.

Photo: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/access-to-knowledge/linguistic-diversity-and-multilingualism-on-internet

Language has an important role in shaping our thoughts, values and actions.

Political correctness (PC)Political correctness (PC) the avoidance of forms of expression or action

that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against [5].

Politically correctPolitically correct demonstrating progressive ideals, esp. by

avoiding vocabulary that is considered offensive, discriminatory, or judgmental, esp concerning race and gender PC [6].

Political correctness is connected with the way people communicate in the global society denying dominance of one group (social, cultural, ethnic, etc) over another.

Being politically correct means “learning about

others and respecting the differences that make each of us unique” [3].

Photo: http://www.rosettatranslation.com/international-day-for-tolerance/

Political correctness is a Political correctness is a controversial termcontroversial term

On the one hand, it is critisised for limiting freedom of expression and it is seen practically ineffective in prevention of doing real harm.

On the other hand, the use of politically correct words help to perceive diversity as it is about “exploring, understanding, respecting, and drawing strength from difference” [7].

Photo: http://www.theprisma.co.uk/2013/04/01/towards-latin-american-multiculturalism/

Be aware of how your actions and attitudes affect the people of various ethnical, religious backgrounds or people with disabilities.

Treat others with respect and care.

Learn about the varying communication styles of different cultural groups.

Use the language that would not make people of any social or cultural group feel offended or diminished.

Photo: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-multiculturalism-workplace-15239.html

Political Correctness covers a practical using of non-derogatory language and “giving Equal Opportunities to those with equal abilities”[1].

Photo: http://www.americasjobexchange.com/career-exchanges

Politically correct language bases on different Politically correct language bases on different multicultural principles: multicultural principles:

not favor one group over another; not infringe on any group’s right to sovereignty; not interfere with the peaceful relationship of any

minority group with those from other groups; not hinder society in its attempts to protect

cultural groups (i.e., social, economic, and ethnic minorities) whose views are declared to be equally valid;

not promote stereotypes of any kind [8].

Avoid UseEthnicity Negro or black African American / Canadian

Indian Native American

Anyone from Central America, South America, or the Carribean

Hispanic

Oriental / Asiatic Asian

Age old /elderly people senior citizens / seniors

Appearance & health

fat obese / horizontally gifted

blind visually challenged

the handicapped people with disabilities

Occupation garbage-man / bin-man sanitation engineer

postman/ mailman mail carrier

fireman fire fighter

policeman police officer

stewardess flight attendant

waitress / waiter server / waitron

The presentation is made by Svetlana Svyattseva,

the librarian of the Department of literature in foreign languages

Tula regional universal research library

Bibliography

1 Bennet, D. Politically correct speach, a common goal /by David Bennet // Murphy's Law Newsletter. - 1995. – Vol. 4 Issue 1 ; The same [Electronic resource]. - http://www.ucc.asn.au/infobase/newsltrs/vol4iss1/politically.html.

2 Is your English Politically Correct? [Electronic resource] // Englishtown : [the site]. – [S. l. , s. a.]. - http://www.englishtown.com/community/channels/article.aspx?articleName=107-pc.

3 Lorenz, K. Being politically correct at work [Electronic resource] / K. Lorenz // Experience, Inc. : [the same], 2013. - http://www.experience.com/alumnus/article?channel_id=diversity&source_page=editor_picks&article_id=article_1155744906046.

4 Muir, H. In defense of political correctness / by Hugh Muir // The Guardian. - 2009. – December 21 ; The same [Electronic resource]. - http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/dec/21/philip-davies-political-correctness.

5 Political correctness [Electronic resource] // Oxford Dictionaries : [the site]. – Oxford, 2013. - http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/political%2Bcorrectness.

6 Politically correct [Electronic resource] // Collins dictionaries : [the site]. – [S. l.], 2013. - http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/politically-correct .

7 Stevenson, N. Political correctness or positive change? / by Neil Stevenson // The Journal of the Law Society of Scotland. – 2004. – October ; The same [Electronic resource]. -http://www.journalonline.co.uk/Magazine/49-10/1001024.aspx .

8 Younkins, E.W. Political correctness threatens free society [Electronic resource] / by Edward W. Younkins // Rebirth of Reason : [the site]. – [S. l., s. a.]. - http://rebirthofreason.com/Articles/Younkins/Political_Correctness_Threatens_Free_Society.shtml.