POLITICALLY CORRECT LANGUAGE: PROS AND CONS
HISTORICAL ROOTS OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS
Politically correct speech became a matter of hot debate in the 1980s, when many native speakers of English
became sensitive to biased terms and phrases that exist in the language. In the previous decade, activists of the
feminist movement made the first attempts to diminish differences between men and women in society. They
criticized the existing language and culture as "male-dominated" and "patriarchal." The history of society, as the
feminists argued, was written from the male point of view ("it's HIStory, not HERstory").
The English language was also considered to be full of male-dominating patterns. Utterances like Every teacher
plans his lessons referred to teachers in general, and words with the stem "man" (e.g. mankind, chairman) were
used to denote both sexes. Feminists criticized these items as sexist; all patterns referring to men only were called
"sexist, old-fashioned language." Sexist language was opposed by "modern non-sexist or inclusive language" that
suggested gender equality and neutrality.
Inclusive language suggested avoiding the use of male pronouns in the cases when the gender of a person is
unknown. Utterances like Every student has to pass his exams were replaced by phrases such as All students have
to pass their exams or Every student has to pass his or her exams. Today we can even see the phrase Every student
has to pass their exams--which violates traditional rules of subject-verb agreement but conforms to new rules of
gender neutrality. General terms containing the segment man, such as mankind and man-made, were made
inclusive by using synonyms such as humankind and artificial.
Later, the names of jobs and occupations were revised to become sexually neutral. Speakers of English have found
new ways to avoid sex markers: flight attendant (since the terms steward and stewardess are no longer used),
sales person (salesman and saleswoman have been outlawed), police officer (instead of policeman) and
chairperson or chair (instead of chairman).
While getting to know politically correct language, we should clearly differentiate between sexist language,
pejorative language and taboo language. Sexist language is a term that labels the use of male-dominated phrases
suggesting that members of one sex are less able, intelligent, and skillful (the examples cited above); pejorative
language is the use of words or phrases disapproving or suggesting that something is no good or of no importance
(labeling nationalities, aged people, etc.); taboo language includes words or phrases which are likely to offend
somebody-certain words referring to sex or sexual organs, excretion, and people's nationality or race can be
particularly offensive. (Cambridge International Dictionary of English 1995). Avoiding these words and phrases
means using politically correct language.
In the late 1980s, the rules of political correctness (PC) began to be applied to a broad range of issues-such as
race, age, sexual orientation, abilities. As people became sensitive to bias on the basis of race, gender, age, and
sexual orientation, they tried to minimize the negative impact of language that reflected these biases.
The tendency toward "deracialization" in English provided new names for nationalities and ethnic groups. The
words Negro, colored, and Afro-American were replaced by African American; Oriental or Asiatic became Asian
or more specific designations such as Pacific Islander, Chinese American, Korean. Indian, a term that refers to
people who live in or come from India, was differentiated from terms used for the native peoples of North America
such as American Indian, Native American, or more specific terms like Chinook or Hopi.
Changing attitudes about aging made people aware of words that reinforce stereotypes (decrepit, senile) and
the need to avoid mentioning age unless it's relevant. Terms like elderly, aged, old, and geriatric were replaced
by older person, senior citizens or seniors.
New non-pejorative terms began to be used to name people with disabilities or illnesses. Blind people were called
visually challenged; the deaf were called people with hearing impairments. The terms challenged, differently abled
and special were coined to describe people with clinical diagnoses or mental disabilities. Today these words and
word combinations are preferred by some people, but they are often ridiculed and are best avoided.
Nowadays the whole world is obsessed with Political correctness. Let us give you some examples. In the
kindergartens of the USA a fairy tale ‘Three piglets’ is being renamed into ‘Three puppets’ so that the Muslim
ESEC - ENSINO DE PORTUGUÊS E INGLÊS NO 2.º CICLO DO ENSINO BÁSICO (2.º Ciclo) 2021-2022
1 UC - DESENVOLVIMENTO DE PROJETOS
Docente: Anabela Marques Nobre
people would not be offended. In Japan dwarf penguins were renamed into fairy penguins to avoid offence
from short people. A story of “Snow white” became legendary. American society “For equal rights in animation
films” declared that there should be three dwarfs of European origin, two must be of dark complexion, one –
Latino-American and one – Indian. In Britain children once were forbidden to put on pirate-like bandage and a
hook because people with the same problems might be insulted.
That is why we believe that students who study English as second language today should be aware of the
importance of efforts towards inclusiveness and acceptance of diverse lifestyles and ethnicities in English
speaking countries. This is especially important for those who want to be able to function in English-speaking
academic and business settings. Getting to know politically correct language not only provides important
information for learners but also gives us an opportunity to become aware of important English issues.
ASPECTS OF PC LANGUAGE: SENSITIVE TOPICS
Being aware of sensitive topics can help you to avoid using words that might offend or upset people. The
following is a list of the most common sensitive topics, along with some general suggestions for avoiding
offence in these areas.
Racial and ethnic groups
Nowadays more and more groups of people prefer to be called by the name they have chosen, rather than by
terms selected for them by others. In the US, for example, the most sensitive areas of vocabulary are often those
that deal with racial and ethnic groups. For example, many Americans whose families originally came from Africa
prefer to be called African-American. But there are others who prefer to be called black because they see
themselves as American, not African.
At any given time, members of a particular racial or ethnic group prefer different terms, and certain words become
outdated. For example, in books and articles that were written in the middle of the last century you may see
expressions like Oriental or Chinaman. Be careful using old-fashioned and offensive words like these. Do your
best to substitute more acceptable terms, such as Chinese people.
Gender
Gender is an area in which it is most difficult to avoid giving offence. This is partly because of the way the English
language works.
The word man originally meant both adult human and adult male. But nowadays its meaning is so closely
identified with adult male that in sentences like ‘Man has always dreamed of being able to fly’ it does not seem
to include women. When referring to adult humans, you can avoid offending anyone by using terms like people
or human beings instead of man:
People have always dreamed of being able to fly.
Many older words for occupations seem to exclude women because they include the word man. Avoid using man
in words for jobs that can be held by either a man or a woman. Use neutral words that include both sexes. For
example, instead of businessman use a word like executive or businessperson, and instead of fireman use
firefighter.
Avoid using words like manageress, actress and other words ending in –ess to refer to women. Words
like these are considered old-fashioned and are offensive to some people. Use words like manager and
actor that can refer to both men and women.
Because English has no singular common-sex pronoun, speakers of English have traditionally used the pronouns
he, his and him in expressions like ‘Each student brought his own dictionary’. Here are some ways you can
avoid using masculine pronouns to refer to groups that are made up of both men and women.
-1. Use the plural form for both nouns and pronouns:
All he students brought their own dictionaries.
ESEC - ENSINO DE PORTUGUÊS E INGLÊS NO 2.º CICLO DO ENSINO BÁSICO (2.º Ciclo) 2021-2022
2 UC - DESENVOLVIMENTO DE PROJETOS
Docente: Anabela Marques Nobre
-2 Reword the statement to avoid using a pronoun:
Each student brought a dictionary.
-3. Use the phrase his or her.
Each student brought his or her own dictionary.
-4. Use s/he: Each student brought the dictionary that s/he preferred.
-5. Use the plural pronoun their after an indefinite pronoun.
Everyone brought their own dictionary.
AGE
As more and more people are living longer, healthier and more active lives, the concept of ageing is changing.
Many people think that using words like old and elderly to describe older people is offensive because they
seem to suggest inactivity and weakness. To avoid offending people, use terms that give more detailed or exact
information about the person or people described. Membership is only available to retired people. People over sixty-
five can get a discount.
Many senior citizens enjoy going for long walks.
ILLNESS AND DISABILITY
Some people object to phrases like Aids sufferer, mental patients, or the handicapped because
they seem to emphasize the illness or disability, rather than the person. When referring to people who are ill or
disabled, try to use the expressions that emphasize the person:
A person living with Aids;
A hospital for people who are mentally ill.
Flats for people who are disabled or people with disabilities.
SEXUAL PREFERENCE
Avoid old-fashioned and insulting terms when referring to people who have sexual relationships with members
of the same sex. To avoid giving offence, use the word gay to refer to men who are sexually attracted to other
men, and lesbian for women who are sexually attracted to other women. Use same-sex to describe
relationships between two men or two women.
TITLES
One of the problems with the English language is that it does not have different titles for single and married
men, but it does for single and married women. When addressing a woman, do not guess her marital status. If
you do not know whether she is married or not, use Ms to address her, rather than Mrs or Miss.
SHORTISM
This word was created to convey the idea of prejudiced attitude or even discrimination of short people.
For example, ‘Since I am only 5 feet 4 inches I have difficulty persuading security firms that I am up to the job of
security guard. There’s a lot of shortism about, you know.’
The word ‘shortism’ appeared at about the same time as ‘ageism’ (prejudice about old people),’ableism’
(prejudice about disabled people, ‘alphabetism’ (prejudiced attitude to the people whose surnames begin with
the last letters of the alphabet).
USING THE MOST APPROPRIATE WORDS
Since ‘appropriate’ words change all the time, it is not always possible to know what words show the most
sensitivity or are the most appropriate fir the particular situation. To avoid offending people with inappropriate
language, try following these suggestions:
-1. When talking to members of a particular racial, ethnic or other cultural group, ask them which terms they
ESEC - ENSINO DE PORTUGUÊS E INGLÊS NO 2.º CICLO DO ENSINO BÁSICO (2.º Ciclo) 2021-2022
3 UC - DESENVOLVIMENTO DE PROJETOS
Docente: Anabela Marques Nobre
prefer. It is better to ask people than to risk insulting them unintentionally.
-2. Avoid using slang terms to refer to people. Slang terms for people are often very insulting.
CONCLUSION
Politically correct changes are occurring in English (and in many other languages) as a reflection of the ideas of
tolerance and inclusion. In order to become competent users of English, we need to explore this phenomenon to
become proficient users of tolerant and inclusive terms in particular situations.
According to the information which was found in the Internet, people’s attitudes to the whole movement are
different. Thus, very few people feel totally positive about PC language reform and think it could change
society. Nearly half of them think that it has no positive effect at all and is a waste of time. Some
correspondents in this group pointed out that PC terms can be offensive or separating. Besides, the whole
movement looks like a shallow ‘feel good’ attempt to avoid dealing with real problems in society. A large
proportion of people being asked felt the movement is somewhat positive but has its problems and limitations.
On the one hand, changing our labels is a good first step toward changing society. However many of the PC
terms are too long and awkward. Moreover, some correspondents think that the movement has gone too far
and too fast in its efforts. Finally, they point out that changing the language does not eliminate racism, sexism,
etc.
As we can conclude, there are both advantages and disadvantages in PC language movement and there is the
need for a more balanced approach to language reform. ‘Language can be used as a WEAPON, by the powerful
against the powerless, by the powerless in fighting back. However, I believe language’s true and most noble
purpose is to serve as a BRIDGE, as a TOOL for people to communicate with and understand each other. So far
as language reform enhances sensitivity and understanding, I endorse it, but when the reform itself becomes
repressive it’s time to step back and reassess. I think ‘political correctness’ in language is at this juncture and
may recognize it. Language reform is one of the many fronts of social reform and hopefully, excesses will not
derail good intentions.’(taken from the Internet).
All in all, PC changes to language have very positive and humanitarian motivations. In practice, however, PC
language might seem like a stifling language tyranny that limits freedom of expression. For example,
‘metabolically challenged’ for ‘dead’ or ‘esthetically challenged’ instead of ‘ugly’. These
examples show the ridiculous extremes to which PC can sometimes take language. Such cases are, of course,
merely humorous parodies of PC language and are not to be taken seriously.
http://www.academia.edu/7559549/POLITICALLY_CORRECT_LANGUAGE_AND_HOW_TO_TEACH_IT_POLITICALLY_CO
RRECT_LANGUAGE_PROS_AN
D_CONS
ESEC - ENSINO DE PORTUGUÊS E INGLÊS NO 2.º CICLO DO ENSINO BÁSICO (2.º Ciclo) 2021-2022
4 UC - DESENVOLVIMENTO DE PROJETOS
Docente: Anabela Marques Nobre
