5 Changing Language
How Language Can Help Dismantle Oppression
Language has the power to impact our perceptions and biases. By critically thinking about and carefully choosing the words we use, we can better align our intentions with our impact.
https://www.autistichoya.com/2014/02/violence-linguistic-ableism.html
https://hbr.org/2020/12/why-you-need-to-stop-using-these-words-and-phrases
https://www.linguisticsociety.org/resource/language-and-thought
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/sapir-whorf-hypothesis
https://stanford.library.sydney.edu.au/archives/spr2015/entries/relativism/supplement2.html
Keep in mind that language evolves over time and that terms may become outdated or less applicable. It’s OK to grow and change with the knowledge you gain!
https://www.autistichoya.com/p/ableist-words-and-terms-to-avoid.html
http://www.cambridgeblog.org/2020/08/ableist-language-and-the-euphemism-treadmill/
People First Language
This principle places the person before a condition or diagnosis. It puts personhood and other aspects of personality and experience before acknowledging a disability.
https://odr.dc.gov/page/people-first-language
https://www.nadtc.org/news/blog/person-first-and-identity-first-language-choices/
Identity First Language
This principle identifies the disability first when referring to a person or group of people. It puts emphasis on the presence of disability and how it impacts a person’s culture, experience, personality, and needs. By placing disability first, it removes the implication that disability is negative.
Exercise: What are some terms you may choose to change in your vocabulary and what will you replace them with?
Exercise: What can you say when you hear someone else using inappropriate language or slurs to educate them?