TY - JOUR
T1 - Sticks and stones : how words and language impact upon social inclusion
AU - McKay, Kathy
AU - Wark, Stuart
AU - Mapedzahama, Virginia
AU - Dune, Tinashe
AU - Rahman, Saifur
AU - MacPhail, Catherine
PY - 2015
Y1 - 2015
N2 - Language framed as derogatory names and symbols can have implications for people and their life experiences. Within a Saussurian-inspired frame, and looking at ideas of stigma and social inclusion, this paper examines the use of language as a weapon within a social context of (changing) intent and meaning. Three examples of language use in mainstream society are analysed: ‘retarded’ which evolved from scientific diagnosis to insult; ‘gay’ as a derogatory adjective within popular culture; and, the way language around suicide is used to both trivialise and stigmatise those who are suicidal, as well as those who are bereaved.
AB - Language framed as derogatory names and symbols can have implications for people and their life experiences. Within a Saussurian-inspired frame, and looking at ideas of stigma and social inclusion, this paper examines the use of language as a weapon within a social context of (changing) intent and meaning. Three examples of language use in mainstream society are analysed: ‘retarded’ which evolved from scientific diagnosis to insult; ‘gay’ as a derogatory adjective within popular culture; and, the way language around suicide is used to both trivialise and stigmatise those who are suicidal, as well as those who are bereaved.
KW - communication and culture
KW - prejudices
KW - social integration
KW - sociolinguistics
KW - stigma (social psychology)
UR - http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/uws:31431
UR - https://www104.griffith.edu.au/index.php/inclusion/article/view/498
M3 - Article
SN - 1836-8808
VL - 6
SP - 146
EP - 162
JO - Journal of Social Inclusion
JF - Journal of Social Inclusion
IS - 1
ER -
