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Learn to appreciate the power of language

Oct 05, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor;
“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 t hose victimized by dangerous language habits.” J. Dan Rothwell, “Telling It Like It Isn’t: Language Misuse and Malpractice/What We Can Do About It.”
It has been my observation for some time now that as reporters/journalists put together their ‘pieces’ for readers, a common pattern is noted. This pattern is that as they (reporters/journalists) present their ‘pieces’ based on persons with disabilities, they present it as if the disability defines the individuals, and this is very far from the truth. Most recent example is the Guyana Chronicle, September 29, 2016 (p. 16) “Disabled man gifted with motorized wheelchair”.
Dear reporters/journalists, I respectfully ask that in future you make an extra special effort to not make the disability the main issue and that you employ the use of ‘people first language’.
The use of people first language would allow the person to be mentioned, first followed by the disability if it be necessary to mention e.g. the man with a disability, child with autism, individual with Down syndrome etc. The use of people first language dovetails with the disability etiquette and this by extension seeks to improve the quality of life of persons with special education needs and disability (SEND).
The premise here to directly and indirectly address the manner in which persons with special education needs and disabilities is/are viewed and treated in society.
Using language which places emphasis on the disability can and does have negative consequences for those individuals. In addition, based on how the media presents ‘pieces’ influences the reader’s perception of a particular topic, in this case disability.
Keon Cheong

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