Political (In)correctness
Kultur & språk
Don Kulick, professor i antropologi vid Uppsala universitet och vid The University of Hong Kong, gästar seminariet för lexikografi, lexikologi och fraseologi.
Seminarium
Don Kulick, professor i antropologi vid Uppsala universitet och vid The University of Hong Kong, gästar seminariet för lexikografi, lexikologi och fraseologi.
What is the point of using politically correct language? This paper examines politically correct language in a deeply contentious arena, namely, disability. It contrasts two Scandinavian countries, Denmark and Sweden, that are very similar in terms of government support and services for people with disabilities. However, how people in those two countries generally talk about disability differs vastly. In Sweden, language about disability is carefully monitored. In Denmark, in contrast, there is little or no political correctness when it comes to speaking about disability. Advocates insist that politically correct language ultimately can result in a greater degree of respect for diversity and in a better, more empathetic, more just society. Are they right?