正文
Language and Communication
One of the most serious consequences . . . is the dehumanizing negative evaluations we attach to people when they have been plastered with a damning label. Because we have slapped a label on them, we assume we have identified the essence of this person semantically branded . . . Thomas Merton (1948) coined the term self-fulfilling prophecy which has become the focus of numerous studies . . . The power of labels to stigmatize, create self-fulfilling prophecies and reduce or enhance self-images is awesome . . . Until we learn to appreciate the power of language and the importance of using it responsibly, we will continue to produce negative social consequences for those victimized by dangerous language habits.
J. Dan Rothwell, Telling It Like It Isn\'t: Language Misuse and Malpractice/What We Can Do About It
Do the words used to describe you have an effect on your life? You bet! Contrary to the age-old sticks and stones lesson we learned as children, words do matter!
Devaluation of a person or a group always begins with language. Throughout history, a variety of descriptors that perpetuate stereotypical and negative prejudices have been used about people with disabilities and others with perceived differences. The use of pejorative and emotionally-charged descriptors—from the time of the Ancient Greeks to the Nazis to 21st Century societies—has often been the spark that ignited and justified abhorrent treatment of individuals or groups who were first devalued via language. If, for example, we use words that imply a person is sub-human, less-than, different, etc., then treating the person as sub-human, less-than, different, etc., is considered acceptable! And how do pejorative, inaccurate, and hurtful descriptors impact how the person feels about herself?
Kathie\'s presentation helped me realize that my feelings of self-worth can be changed by what words are used.
Person with a disability
Iowa
Using People First Language—putting the person before the disability—and using accurate, dignified, and respectful language is a step in the right direction. Words are powerful: they can create self-fulfilling prophecies and influence a person\'s success or failure.
In addition, how we communicate (how we talk to ourselves and to others) is a critical factor in personal well-being and valuable relationships. With more effective communication, we can reduce misunderstandings and tension, more easily reach common ground, and achieve win-win outcomes for all.
As the articles in this section illustrate, positive changes in our language and communication can change our lives and change our worlds! How will we use the power of our words?
One of the most serious consequences . . . is the dehumanizing negative evaluations we attach to people when they have been plastered with a damning label. Because we have slapped a label on them, we assume we have identified the essence of this person semantically branded . . . Thomas Merton (1948) coined the term self-fulfilling prophecy which has become the focus of numerous studies . . . The power of labels to stigmatize, create self-fulfilling prophecies and reduce or enhance self-images is awesome . . . Until we learn to appreciate the power of language and the importance of using it responsibly, we will continue to produce negative social consequences for those victimized by dangerous language habits.
J. Dan Rothwell, Telling It Like It Isn\'t: Language Misuse and Malpractice/What We Can Do About It
Do the words used to describe you have an effect on your life? You bet! Contrary to the age-old sticks and stones lesson we learned as children, words do matter!
Devaluation of a person or a group always begins with language. Throughout history, a variety of descriptors that perpetuate stereotypical and negative prejudices have been used about people with disabilities and others with perceived differences. The use of pejorative and emotionally-charged descriptors—from the time of the Ancient Greeks to the Nazis to 21st Century societies—has often been the spark that ignited and justified abhorrent treatment of individuals or groups who were first devalued via language. If, for example, we use words that imply a person is sub-human, less-than, different, etc., then treating the person as sub-human, less-than, different, etc., is considered acceptable! And how do pejorative, inaccurate, and hurtful descriptors impact how the person feels about herself?
Kathie\'s presentation helped me realize that my feelings of self-worth can be changed by what words are used.
Person with a disability
Iowa
Using People First Language—putting the person before the disability—and using accurate, dignified, and respectful language is a step in the right direction. Words are powerful: they can create self-fulfilling prophecies and influence a person\'s success or failure.
In addition, how we communicate (how we talk to ourselves and to others) is a critical factor in personal well-being and valuable relationships. With more effective communication, we can reduce misunderstandings and tension, more easily reach common ground, and achieve win-win outcomes for all.
As the articles in this section illustrate, positive changes in our language and communication can change our lives and change our worlds! How will we use the power of our words?
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