Political Correctness and Language Teaching - Literature review Example

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS AND LANGUAGE TEACHING {Insert university name} {Insert instructor’s name} {Insert student’s name} POLITICAL CORRECTNESS AND LANGUAGE TEACHING Introduction According to Crystal (1995) it is challenging to have one definition for the term political correctness. However according Cameron (1995) political correctness in language refers to ideas and language that maybe offensive to certain group identities such as women and therefore its aim is to provide preferential to these groups. But according to Crystal (1995) political correctness is not only a language but also a behaviour or attitude that is carefully selected to prevent insulting or offending anyone. Consequently, the proponents of politically correct language points out that it has a civilising impact on the society as it discourages people from using words that are regarded as offensive or having negative connotations (Cameron, 1995). Furthermore, it is perceived as a language that grants respects to individuals who are regarded as unfair stereotypes victims. Therefore, the effect and the purpose of politically correct language are to replace offensive behaviour and prevent bullying and I concur with Crystal, 1995. This essay will highlight examples of political correctness, the implications of political politeness in learning and teaching EFL, the issues involved in teaching based on the needs of the students and different learning contexts. Examples of PC terms in English language There is political correctness which is associated with sex and includes: Terms such as mail carrier has been used instead of postman or mailman, man-made replaced by synthetic or artificial, the term cleaning person, housecleaner or housekeeper to be used instead of cleaning girl or cleaning lady. Political correctness language associated with different abilities The term deaf replaced with hearing impairment to include individuals with hearing loss which are as a result of accidents as well as other causes. The term blind replaced with visually impaired while mentally ill to be used in place of crazy/mad/insane. Race and ethnic related examples In the United States of America, the term black was changed to Negroes and blacks again before it later become afro-Americans. Afro-American is the term that is presently used with blacks occasionally being used. The term people of colour has been used to refer to non-whites including Africans. The term black has been associated with disparagement thus African American has been used even in circumstances whereby the nationality is unknown. The term Eskimo has been perceived as pejorative to most groups which are Aleut, Inuit and Yupik. Additionally, the United States of American the term Orientals that is referred to as the eastern(s). These terms has been perceived as pejorative to the group it refers to. Presently, terms such as Korean-American, Asian-American, Japanese-American and Chinese-America. Furthermore, Indians are currently referred to as indigenous people or Native Americans in the United States of America. Lastly, in Australia, the word Aborigine is not commonly used despite it not being a taboo word. Religious related examples In most circumstances the term merry Christmas is replaced with Season’s Greetings or happy holidays. On company calendars the term Christmas is usually replaced with winter break, December holiday or winter holiday or using any other term to make the message inclusive to both Christians and non-Christians. Other categories The old, aged or elderly has been referred to as senior citizens. According to Crystal (1995) while alms became governments function, it was changed to poor relief before being called welfare and presently public assistance. The term international students have been used to refer to foreign students. Having examined the examples of political correctness, as part of this essay, it is essential to discuss the implications of political correctness in EFL learning and teaching. Implications of the political correctness in EFL settings However, political correctness is essential for EFL learning and teaching. First is important for learners of English as a foreign language to be informed of the importance of ensuring acceptance of diverse ethnicities and lifestyles in the English speaking communities for the purpose of ensuring inclusiveness (Beard, 2004). Consequently, political correctness is essential for students who seek to function in English speaking business and academic settings. Additionally, teaching politically correct language in any given classroom setting not only provides the learners with sufficient information but also give them the opportunity to be aware of essential cultural issues. Furthermore, according to Crystal (1995) speaking with political correctness indicates not only decorum but also an image of kindness. However, it can be argued that political correctness is not as a result of proper attitude but due to a facade that seem to be a proper attitude. Cameron (1995) in his works further adds that political correctness is important as it reduces the social acceptability of using terms which are perceived as offensive. Additionally, political correctness plays the role of discouraging the reflexive use of terms that result into importation of negative stereotyping, thus contributing to relative/conscious thinking of how to give description of others based on their merits. The mentioned is essential for EFL students who want to use English language in an international context as well as teachers in an international setting (Crystal, 1995). Issues involved in teaching political correctness The aspect of politically correct English language links social, historical, linguistic and cultural issues. Due to the fact that it also addresses the use of the current language, it does not only appeal to language teachers but also learners. The following sections outline some of tasks/issues that can be used in teaching political correctness in language. In some settings students have been requested to identify all the issues that people are sensitive about such as ethnicity, gender, age or nationality (Beard, 2004). To achieve this, students can be presented with pictures of people and then request them to point out what the people are sensitive to as well as asking them the strategies that can be used in preventing the use of offensive language. It is further essential to present them with both suggestions and examples by writing them down. Then identify the existing patterns for instance dropping –ess from manageress, authoress or actress, replacing man with person e. g chairman-chairperson (Crystal, 1995). The students can also be presented with phrases having sexist language then requested to change them by making them inclusive. Therefore, the following are some of the sentences that can be represented to the students. A teacher should motivate his students An actress gets nervous prior to the show. Grace is a camerawoman. Man is causing pollution. In the modern world, man-made fibre is used in the factories. The students can also be presented with politically incorrect proverbs and requested to change them. For example: Every man has his hobbyhorse. A mans home is his castle. Studies have also indicated that traditional names of certain nationalities or races are regarded as politically incorrect (Crystal, 1995). Therefore students can be presented with a column containing the traditional names and the politically correct versions and then asked to match them. Finally reasons should be provided why the traditional names are regarded as politically incorrect (Beard, 2004). Finally, due to the fact that many people are not only sensitive about their culture and abilities but also appearance and age, the students should be provided with phrases that are regarded as offensive and asked to made them inoffensive to the individual being refereed. The mentioned has worked in identifying what the students already know about offensive language and things that are sensitive to people. For instance, the following phrases can be presented to EFL students while teaching politically correct language. She is as blind as a bat. He is taking care of his insane father. My friend James is as deaf as a post. The needs of the students and different teaching contexts However, in teaching political correctness it is important to examine the needs of the students in a given context. The mentioned teaching tasks are ideal for students at advanced level of learning English language. Different needs of students in different learning contexts dictate the degree of teaching political correctness. Beginners should not be taught political correctness as they will be confused (Crystal, 1995). Conclusion In concluding the subject of political correctness in teaching and learning EFL, it is essential to discuss the existing criticisms too. Political language choice critics have argued that political correctness is challenging to free speech. Other scholars have pointed out that politically correctness is an element that aims at covering personal responsibility evasion, for example using the term children at risk to refer to juvenile delinquents. Additionally, it has been argued that political correctness in language does not reduce behaviour that is regarded as offensive to the merits of individuals but rather encourages the opposite. Crystal (1995) in his work pointed out that political correctness makes people to manufacture offense and grievances in situations that are innocuous. Even though people have accepted political correct language and are ready to apply them, it has been perceived as a language that has double standards an aspect that causes rifts in the society. Finally, as opposed to equalizing and unifying society, it is possible to use politically correct English in ostracising others. References Beard, A. (2004). Language change. London: Routledge Cameron, D. (1995). "Rethinking Language and Gender Studies: Feminism into the 1990s", in Language and Gender: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, ed. Sara Mills. London: Longman. Crystal, D. (1995). Political Correctness. London: Wiley. Read More