I felt like almost half the class presented on working in the medical field. There seemed to be a reoccurring theme among each of the presentations as well: doctors and nurses need to strive to build a bond with their patients. Considering this is what my presentation was on, it was easy for me to relate to and understand.
Howevere there were a few presentations I found much more diverse. The presentation on hostage negotiators definitely ranks high on the scale of diverse occupations. I mean, I know hostage negotiators exist, but I never really thought about how they get their job, why they get their job, and the actual details of their job. It really made me think about all the odd jobs in this world. I thought it was very interesting how hostage negotiators approach the situation at hand. I would think that they go into a hostage situation with some sort of a game plan, but never a specific list of steps. Not to say that all of them use the steps listed in the presentation, but I'm sure each of them have a list of objectives they wish to cover when attempting to safely
negotiate.
There were also a few presentations that I was eager to see how communication and language could relate to. Jobs like being an accountant or an engineer do involve communication and language. However, off the top of my head I probably could not list one way they do so. It obviously takes a little bit of research and concentration to decide the specific ways language is used in occupations that may not use it as much as a doctor or negotiator.
I thought it was fascinating that in every major or occupation, even accounting or engineering, communication is somehow used. This will probably sound very English-teacher-ish, but that just proves the importance of a good background in reading, writing, and speaking. The base one builds in their skills in language and communication can basically decide their future.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Language in Nursing
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a nurse is a person who or thing which nurtures or cares for others. For as long as nurses have existed, their goal has been to reach out to those who need assistance. Nurses have a specific way of relating to the patients that have ailments. It is vital that nurses understand how to express information in a way that people with low health literacy, deaf people, and those from other parts of the world can understand.
Simply because someone is born with a disability or is not taught to speak correctly, does not mean he or she does not deserve the best treatment possible. Each person deserves equally adequate care regardless of race, age, intelligence, and so on. It is important that nurses and other healthcare professionals comprehend how to communicate with each type of person in order to show no sign of discrimination or unequal care. There are many methods practiced to avoid running into complications in communicating with patients who may possess these specific afflictions.
Almost ninety million Americans said that they struggle to understand health information according to a recent statement from the Institute of Medicine. In 2003 the National Adult Literacy Survey stated that 43% of adults retain primary or below primary reading competence. There is now a major concern in regards to the capability of those Americans to operate properly in settings which involve their health. Being able to read and understand health information is necessary for one who needs to make suitable judgments about their health.
There is a significant difference between poor literacy and poor health literacy. Having poor health literacy is strictly content related. Someone who has poor health literacy may still be quite capable of reading and writing but strain to understand unaccustomed medical jargon. Low health literacy is linked to many sources such as the steadily growing diversity in the United States and rising healthcare costs, among other factors. Those who possess low health literacy understand less about their medical condition causing it to worsen.
Usually, underprivileged individuals, minorities, the elderly, and those who live in rural settings are most likely to attain low health literacy. There is a strong correlation between having poor health literacy and poor health outcomes. Because of this, it is extremely vital that the barrier of communication is taken down. Most healthcare professionals attempt to remove this barrier by way of using print materials. The only problem is that reading and comprehending is critical when analyzing print materials and doing so is quite a struggle for those with low health literacy. Another hindrance in using this technique is that it relies solely on the patient to read, interpret, and make progress with the information retained. Though the written materials may be very informative and useful, they may be completely worthless to those who do not understand them. Verbal guidance from nurses or doctors is what patients are more likely to solely rely on.
Most individuals who suffer from low health literacy are embarrassed of their disability. Usually, they require a translation of the vocabulary used by the medical professionals. Experiments and observations on this topic have served as useful and accurate tools in attempting to solve this problem.
“Nurses play a pivotal role in promoting access to culturally competent health care services for those who experience linguistic and cultural barriers. Nursing strategies to facilitate and enhance the Deaf community’s access to health care services are provided.” The above quote, taken from an article by Christine Lieu, portrays the fact that nurses must find a way to break down any communication barriers that may stand in the way of giving proper medical treatment.
Roughly 28 million Americans are deaf or have hearing problems (Lucas, Schiller, & Benson, 2004). It is a nurse’s job to ensure that those who possess disabilities are treated as equal as those who may not be disabled. The nurses must advocate patient’s happiness, learning, and the advancement of health. Deaf patients have a legal right to make decisions as well as a legal right to clearly understand what may be defective with their health. Also, deaf patients reserve special rights because of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Nurses are the people who can influence the administration of the health care and patient’s view of that care.
The use of sign language and other communication services for the deaf are not popular in health care providers. Many providers see sign language as a second language rather than a first. Sign language is merely a foreign language to many. The lack of usage of sign language has made it nearly impossible for medical providers to become close with Deaf culture and ways of communication.
The attempts around sign language are usually weird and contracted. Deaf people usually attempt to escape the awkward conversation because it is much too difficult to be speaking in your language to someone who does not know how to speak your language. It is critical that nurses know how to address these types of situations and are knowledgeable in how to not offend someone. Deaf people will be easily turned off by someone who lacks communication skills. It is the nurse’s job to be the “people person” and know how to fit comfortably in this somewhat awkward situation.
Imagine walking into a building where you are in dire need of medical attention and having no way to explain what is wrong with you. You try so hard to illustrate it with your hands in a way that you think everyone would understand. Still, no one understands what you are attempting to get across. Many times, this is how people who need medical attention feel. Deaf people have no way of describing their ailment to a doctor or nurse just the same way people with low health literacy cannot properly explain their problem. Generally it is a nurse’s mission to know how to break the language or communication barriers and supply any struggling patient with treatment.
Simply because someone is born with a disability or is not taught to speak correctly, does not mean he or she does not deserve the best treatment possible. Each person deserves equally adequate care regardless of race, age, intelligence, and so on. It is important that nurses and other healthcare professionals comprehend how to communicate with each type of person in order to show no sign of discrimination or unequal care. There are many methods practiced to avoid running into complications in communicating with patients who may possess these specific afflictions.
Almost ninety million Americans said that they struggle to understand health information according to a recent statement from the Institute of Medicine. In 2003 the National Adult Literacy Survey stated that 43% of adults retain primary or below primary reading competence. There is now a major concern in regards to the capability of those Americans to operate properly in settings which involve their health. Being able to read and understand health information is necessary for one who needs to make suitable judgments about their health.
There is a significant difference between poor literacy and poor health literacy. Having poor health literacy is strictly content related. Someone who has poor health literacy may still be quite capable of reading and writing but strain to understand unaccustomed medical jargon. Low health literacy is linked to many sources such as the steadily growing diversity in the United States and rising healthcare costs, among other factors. Those who possess low health literacy understand less about their medical condition causing it to worsen.
Usually, underprivileged individuals, minorities, the elderly, and those who live in rural settings are most likely to attain low health literacy. There is a strong correlation between having poor health literacy and poor health outcomes. Because of this, it is extremely vital that the barrier of communication is taken down. Most healthcare professionals attempt to remove this barrier by way of using print materials. The only problem is that reading and comprehending is critical when analyzing print materials and doing so is quite a struggle for those with low health literacy. Another hindrance in using this technique is that it relies solely on the patient to read, interpret, and make progress with the information retained. Though the written materials may be very informative and useful, they may be completely worthless to those who do not understand them. Verbal guidance from nurses or doctors is what patients are more likely to solely rely on.
Most individuals who suffer from low health literacy are embarrassed of their disability. Usually, they require a translation of the vocabulary used by the medical professionals. Experiments and observations on this topic have served as useful and accurate tools in attempting to solve this problem.
“Nurses play a pivotal role in promoting access to culturally competent health care services for those who experience linguistic and cultural barriers. Nursing strategies to facilitate and enhance the Deaf community’s access to health care services are provided.” The above quote, taken from an article by Christine Lieu, portrays the fact that nurses must find a way to break down any communication barriers that may stand in the way of giving proper medical treatment.
Roughly 28 million Americans are deaf or have hearing problems (Lucas, Schiller, & Benson, 2004). It is a nurse’s job to ensure that those who possess disabilities are treated as equal as those who may not be disabled. The nurses must advocate patient’s happiness, learning, and the advancement of health. Deaf patients have a legal right to make decisions as well as a legal right to clearly understand what may be defective with their health. Also, deaf patients reserve special rights because of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Nurses are the people who can influence the administration of the health care and patient’s view of that care.
The use of sign language and other communication services for the deaf are not popular in health care providers. Many providers see sign language as a second language rather than a first. Sign language is merely a foreign language to many. The lack of usage of sign language has made it nearly impossible for medical providers to become close with Deaf culture and ways of communication.
The attempts around sign language are usually weird and contracted. Deaf people usually attempt to escape the awkward conversation because it is much too difficult to be speaking in your language to someone who does not know how to speak your language. It is critical that nurses know how to address these types of situations and are knowledgeable in how to not offend someone. Deaf people will be easily turned off by someone who lacks communication skills. It is the nurse’s job to be the “people person” and know how to fit comfortably in this somewhat awkward situation.
Imagine walking into a building where you are in dire need of medical attention and having no way to explain what is wrong with you. You try so hard to illustrate it with your hands in a way that you think everyone would understand. Still, no one understands what you are attempting to get across. Many times, this is how people who need medical attention feel. Deaf people have no way of describing their ailment to a doctor or nurse just the same way people with low health literacy cannot properly explain their problem. Generally it is a nurse’s mission to know how to break the language or communication barriers and supply any struggling patient with treatment.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Cultural Nursing
One of the articles I am using is centered around the Vietnamese population receiving health care in the United States. Cuturally, there are so many differences between people that live in the United States and the native Vietnamese. Religion, language, dress, etc... are all things that are very diverse from the U.S. culture. In health care it is vital that those practicing it are respectful and courteous to those who may not understand some of their customs.
The Vietnamese people who have fled to America are here because they wanted to escape the life they had in their homeland. They want escape the war and possible death. When treating the Vietnamese, health care professionals must be cautious to understand the difficulties faced by Vietnamese.
Communication is obviously vital for proper health care. The number one language in Vietnam is Vietnamese but the second is English. There are a couple complications with this though. In Vietnamese many English words mean the same thing. Thus, causing many communication issues. They also have a gender specific language. It is important for care givers to use simple, concise statements that get to the point while still explaining them carefully. Beginning with quiet small talk directed toward the oldest member of the group is the first step to successful communication.
Non-verbal communication can be very tricky when attempting to facilitate a healthy non-verbal relationship between someone of a Vietnamese background versus someone of the United States. To Vietnamese people, hugging and kissing is seen as strictly behind closed doors activity. To greet one another men shake other men's hands but men do not shake women's hands unless the woman offers to do so first. This is a major difference in today's U.S. culture. Also, to VIetnamese, looking directly in one's eyes may be considered disrespectful, while in the U.S. culture that is deemed as the opposite.
Cultural differences are not impossible to overcome, but work to do so is required. United States citizens offering care to those of other cultures and customs must learn the most respectful and courteous way to communicate in order for proper care to be provided.
The Vietnamese people who have fled to America are here because they wanted to escape the life they had in their homeland. They want escape the war and possible death. When treating the Vietnamese, health care professionals must be cautious to understand the difficulties faced by Vietnamese.
Communication is obviously vital for proper health care. The number one language in Vietnam is Vietnamese but the second is English. There are a couple complications with this though. In Vietnamese many English words mean the same thing. Thus, causing many communication issues. They also have a gender specific language. It is important for care givers to use simple, concise statements that get to the point while still explaining them carefully. Beginning with quiet small talk directed toward the oldest member of the group is the first step to successful communication.
Non-verbal communication can be very tricky when attempting to facilitate a healthy non-verbal relationship between someone of a Vietnamese background versus someone of the United States. To Vietnamese people, hugging and kissing is seen as strictly behind closed doors activity. To greet one another men shake other men's hands but men do not shake women's hands unless the woman offers to do so first. This is a major difference in today's U.S. culture. Also, to VIetnamese, looking directly in one's eyes may be considered disrespectful, while in the U.S. culture that is deemed as the opposite.
Cultural differences are not impossible to overcome, but work to do so is required. United States citizens offering care to those of other cultures and customs must learn the most respectful and courteous way to communicate in order for proper care to be provided.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Revised Essay :)
The Transformation of the Word “Retard”
“Dude, you are such a retard!” one boy yelled to another. However, the boy who was yelled at had no mental handicap at all. Was the first boy meaning that the second was a hindrance or prevention? Or was he implying that the second boy was simply acting silly and inane? The word “retard” can mean either of those things; the first being the more actual definition and the second being the more slang definition. Over the years, the definition of the word has changed and evolved significantly.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first record of the usage of the word "retard" is from circa 1489. At that point in time, that word meant to keep back, hinder, or impede. Now, in 2008, the word "retard" is used in common vernacular as a replacement for the word "idiot" or "dummy". This was not a direct or instantaneous change, but a change that took centuries and centuries to occur. Not only has the definition of the word changed but the nature of word has been altered over time as well. It has become more popular to use “retard” as a noun rather than a verb, when 200 years ago it was the opposite. Also, the pronunciation of the word has been modified over time because of its added meaning. Why and how has the word changed so greatly?
Well, the word “retard” was first found printed in American newspapers in 1704. It was used to describe the slowing down or the diminishing of something. The 1704 article from the Boston News Letter reads “…but the Precarious Title of the present King of Spain is likely to retard the fame.” That word was used numerous times in newspapers in the 1700s. In 1720, in the American Weekly Mercury, the word “retard” was defined as creating some sort of hindrance. One article from 1720 reads “In order to remove all obstacles, which may in the least retard what is so conducive…” One major change that occurred in the 1700s was the addition of the word “retard” as a noun as well as a verb. The definition of the word was now “delay”. An article from the 1788 Independent Gazetteer reads “…in a school among giddy boys, who will delight to cause a retard in progress…” Though the definition did not change radically, the usage of the word could be broadened and more abundantly used in other grammatical situations. Throughout the articles from the 1700s containing the word “retard”, the definition in context remained relatively constant. There was no great alteration to the significance of the word until many years later.
During the early 1800s, the meaning of the word “retard” did not encounter any major alterations. In 1895, the first major change to the definition in context of the word occurred. Though the definition is not wildly different, the definition in context took quite a turn. In G. E. Shuttleworth’s Mentally-Deficient Children, he uses the word “retarded” to describe a mentally handicapped person. The sentence reads, “Such children are also described as ‘backward’, or of ‘retarded mental development’.” This is the first time the word “retard” or “retarded” had been used related to a mental deficiency.
In 1922, the word “retard” is used in the Charlotte Sunday Observer to be defined as to prevent or hold back. The article reads, “Even live steam…failed to retard the flames.” Though the word was beginning to evolve, the definition of “to prevent” or “to delay” was still utilized. In the later 1900s, the word “retarded” became very popular and prevalent when referring to the mentally disabled. Not only was it a medical term but it became slang for someone who is mentally handicapped. In 1970 in Time Magazine a sentence reads, “There are…heroin addicts, Air Force and CIA mental retards and Broadway Indians doing a Broadway Snake Dance.” This use of the word “retard” is very much informal and almost slang. In 1971 an article in The New Yorker reads, “The younger son, self-described as ‘a hard-core retard’, dreams of escaping to the wilds of Oregon to gambol with the bears and squirrels.” Again, though referring to someone who is mentally handicapped, the word “retarded” is simply shortened to “retard” to become quicker and somewhat slang. In 1979 in the Observer is the first record of the word “retard” being used as “dummy” or “idiot”. The sentence reads, “These are men who have been out of England for years on end... Social retards, they can still hold onto their given obsolete ideas and prejudices about women because of their geographical isolation, and their marooned intellects.” The men referred to are not actually mentally retarded, they are just struggling, socially speaking. This definition became very popular in the later 1900s and early 2000s.
Now, one could hear the word “retard” used as an insult to someone by using it to call them “dumb” or “ignorant”. While insulting the one being named, is that not also insulting those who really are mentally handicapped? Is that not so very rude to those who actually are mentally handicapped? If I were mentally handicapped, I would not appreciate the word “retard” being paralleled with the word “dumb”. Just like I do not like the word “blonde” associated with the word “dumb”. Although some mentally handicapped people do not understand this association, many do. So basically, in stead of calling that person mentally handicapped, it would be okay to call them mentally idiotic? I think not. I do not think anyone likes a word that describes themselves also describing something derogatory and negative.
Many people have close relatives that are mentally handicapped that also take serious offense to this connotation. “You’ll never hear me callin’ anyone a retard,” said my high school Economics teacher. His daughter is mentally handicapped. “I just can’t stand it when people replace the word “dumb” with something like “retarded”. My daughter is actually very intelligent though she may be a little different than you or me.” Mr. Bradley is very sensitive to the usage of that word because he feels that when it is used in a derogatory sense, it is a severe insult to actual mentally retarded people.
I believe the best definition for the word “retard” is to delay or slow down. I also think using “retarded” to describe a mentally handicapped person is legitimate if strictly being used in a medical sense. There is a significant difference in using the word “retarded” as a medical term or as an insulting description. When used as an insult in a derogatory manner, I believe the word “retard” is very inappropriate and should be more carefully looked upon. It is easy to justify the utilization of the word as a medical definition, but how can it be justified as mockery? The word “retard” has now evolved so greatly that using it as an insult will probably seem like no big deal in the next few years. It is important that we recognize the transformation of this word and attempt to use it with caution.
“Retard.” Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989.NewsBank/Readex. The Boston Newsletter. Editorial. America's Historical Newspapers. 26 May 1704. 11th ed. Boston, Massachusetts.
NewsBank/Readex. American Weekly Mercury. Editorial. America’s Historical
Newspapers. 7 April 1720. 16th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
NewsBank/Readex. The Courier. Editorial. America’s Historical Newspapers. 4 May
1800. 12th ed. Norwich, Connecticut.
The Georgia Telegraph. Editorial. America’s Historical Newspapers. 5 April 1849. 29th
ed. Macon, Georgia.
Charlotte Sunday Observer. America’s Historical Newspapers. 17 June 1922. 20th ed.
Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Independent Gazetteer. America’s Historical Newspapers. 30 March 1788. 14th ed.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Bradley, Mark. Personal Quotation. 20 September 2008.
“Dude, you are such a retard!” one boy yelled to another. However, the boy who was yelled at had no mental handicap at all. Was the first boy meaning that the second was a hindrance or prevention? Or was he implying that the second boy was simply acting silly and inane? The word “retard” can mean either of those things; the first being the more actual definition and the second being the more slang definition. Over the years, the definition of the word has changed and evolved significantly.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first record of the usage of the word "retard" is from circa 1489. At that point in time, that word meant to keep back, hinder, or impede. Now, in 2008, the word "retard" is used in common vernacular as a replacement for the word "idiot" or "dummy". This was not a direct or instantaneous change, but a change that took centuries and centuries to occur. Not only has the definition of the word changed but the nature of word has been altered over time as well. It has become more popular to use “retard” as a noun rather than a verb, when 200 years ago it was the opposite. Also, the pronunciation of the word has been modified over time because of its added meaning. Why and how has the word changed so greatly?
Well, the word “retard” was first found printed in American newspapers in 1704. It was used to describe the slowing down or the diminishing of something. The 1704 article from the Boston News Letter reads “…but the Precarious Title of the present King of Spain is likely to retard the fame.” That word was used numerous times in newspapers in the 1700s. In 1720, in the American Weekly Mercury, the word “retard” was defined as creating some sort of hindrance. One article from 1720 reads “In order to remove all obstacles, which may in the least retard what is so conducive…” One major change that occurred in the 1700s was the addition of the word “retard” as a noun as well as a verb. The definition of the word was now “delay”. An article from the 1788 Independent Gazetteer reads “…in a school among giddy boys, who will delight to cause a retard in progress…” Though the definition did not change radically, the usage of the word could be broadened and more abundantly used in other grammatical situations. Throughout the articles from the 1700s containing the word “retard”, the definition in context remained relatively constant. There was no great alteration to the significance of the word until many years later.
During the early 1800s, the meaning of the word “retard” did not encounter any major alterations. In 1895, the first major change to the definition in context of the word occurred. Though the definition is not wildly different, the definition in context took quite a turn. In G. E. Shuttleworth’s Mentally-Deficient Children, he uses the word “retarded” to describe a mentally handicapped person. The sentence reads, “Such children are also described as ‘backward’, or of ‘retarded mental development’.” This is the first time the word “retard” or “retarded” had been used related to a mental deficiency.
In 1922, the word “retard” is used in the Charlotte Sunday Observer to be defined as to prevent or hold back. The article reads, “Even live steam…failed to retard the flames.” Though the word was beginning to evolve, the definition of “to prevent” or “to delay” was still utilized. In the later 1900s, the word “retarded” became very popular and prevalent when referring to the mentally disabled. Not only was it a medical term but it became slang for someone who is mentally handicapped. In 1970 in Time Magazine a sentence reads, “There are…heroin addicts, Air Force and CIA mental retards and Broadway Indians doing a Broadway Snake Dance.” This use of the word “retard” is very much informal and almost slang. In 1971 an article in The New Yorker reads, “The younger son, self-described as ‘a hard-core retard’, dreams of escaping to the wilds of Oregon to gambol with the bears and squirrels.” Again, though referring to someone who is mentally handicapped, the word “retarded” is simply shortened to “retard” to become quicker and somewhat slang. In 1979 in the Observer is the first record of the word “retard” being used as “dummy” or “idiot”. The sentence reads, “These are men who have been out of England for years on end... Social retards, they can still hold onto their given obsolete ideas and prejudices about women because of their geographical isolation, and their marooned intellects.” The men referred to are not actually mentally retarded, they are just struggling, socially speaking. This definition became very popular in the later 1900s and early 2000s.
Now, one could hear the word “retard” used as an insult to someone by using it to call them “dumb” or “ignorant”. While insulting the one being named, is that not also insulting those who really are mentally handicapped? Is that not so very rude to those who actually are mentally handicapped? If I were mentally handicapped, I would not appreciate the word “retard” being paralleled with the word “dumb”. Just like I do not like the word “blonde” associated with the word “dumb”. Although some mentally handicapped people do not understand this association, many do. So basically, in stead of calling that person mentally handicapped, it would be okay to call them mentally idiotic? I think not. I do not think anyone likes a word that describes themselves also describing something derogatory and negative.
Many people have close relatives that are mentally handicapped that also take serious offense to this connotation. “You’ll never hear me callin’ anyone a retard,” said my high school Economics teacher. His daughter is mentally handicapped. “I just can’t stand it when people replace the word “dumb” with something like “retarded”. My daughter is actually very intelligent though she may be a little different than you or me.” Mr. Bradley is very sensitive to the usage of that word because he feels that when it is used in a derogatory sense, it is a severe insult to actual mentally retarded people.
I believe the best definition for the word “retard” is to delay or slow down. I also think using “retarded” to describe a mentally handicapped person is legitimate if strictly being used in a medical sense. There is a significant difference in using the word “retarded” as a medical term or as an insulting description. When used as an insult in a derogatory manner, I believe the word “retard” is very inappropriate and should be more carefully looked upon. It is easy to justify the utilization of the word as a medical definition, but how can it be justified as mockery? The word “retard” has now evolved so greatly that using it as an insult will probably seem like no big deal in the next few years. It is important that we recognize the transformation of this word and attempt to use it with caution.
“Retard.” Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989.NewsBank/Readex. The Boston Newsletter. Editorial. America's Historical Newspapers. 26 May 1704. 11th ed. Boston, Massachusetts.
NewsBank/Readex. American Weekly Mercury. Editorial. America’s Historical
Newspapers. 7 April 1720. 16th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
NewsBank/Readex. The Courier. Editorial. America’s Historical Newspapers. 4 May
1800. 12th ed. Norwich, Connecticut.
The Georgia Telegraph. Editorial. America’s Historical Newspapers. 5 April 1849. 29th
ed. Macon, Georgia.
Charlotte Sunday Observer. America’s Historical Newspapers. 17 June 1922. 20th ed.
Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Independent Gazetteer. America’s Historical Newspapers. 30 March 1788. 14th ed.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Bradley, Mark. Personal Quotation. 20 September 2008.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Transformation of the Word "Retard"
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first record of the usage of the word "retard" is from circa 1489. At that point in time, that word meant to keep back, hinder, or impede. Now, in 2008, the word "retard" is used in common vernacular as a replacement for the word "idiot" or "dummy". This was not a direct or instantaneous change, but a change that took centuries and centuries to occur. Not only has the definition of the word changed but the nature of word has been altered over time as well. It has become more popular to use “retard” as a noun rather than a verb, when 200 years ago it was the exact opposite. Also, the pronunciation of the word has been modified over time because of its added meaning. Why and how has the word changed so greatly?
Well, the word “retard” was first found printed in American newspapers in 1704. It was used to describe the slowing down or the diminishing of something. The 1704 article from the Boston News Letter reads “…but the Precarious Title of the present King of Spain is likely to retard the fame.” After reading that sentence in context, I found the word “retard” to mean slow down or diminish. That word was used numerous times in newspapers in the 1700s. In 1720, in the American Weekly Mercury, the word “retard” was defined as creating some sort of hindrance. The article reads “In order to remove all obstacles, which may in the least retard what is so conducive…” Again, after reading that line in context, it seems that “retard” is supposed to be defined as “to hinder”. One major change that occurred in the 1700s was the addition of the word “retard” as a noun as well as a verb. The definition of the word was now “delay”. Though the definition did not change radically, the usage of the word could be broadened and more abundantly used in other grammatical situations. Throughout the articles from the 1700s containing the word “retard”, the definition in context remained relatively constant. There was no great alteration to the significance of the word until many years later.
In The Courier in 1800, an article was produced using the word “retard” as a replacement to describe the process of slowing down. This usage was very similar to many of the usages in the 1700s. Obviously over these years, the language did not evolve so greatly. In 1849, in The Georgia Telegraph, the word “retard” is used like the word “prevent”. It says, “Nothing can prevent or ever retard these results”. In that sentence itself, it describes “retard” as to prevent. In 1895, the first major change to the definition in context of the word occurred. Though the definition is not wildly different, the definition in context took quite a turn. In G. E. Shuttleworth’s Mentally-Deficient Children, he uses the word “retarded” to describe a mentally handicapped person. The sentence reads, “Such children are also described as ‘backward’, or of ‘retarded mental development’.” This is the first time the word “retard” or “retarded” had been used related to a mental deficiency.
In 1922, the word “retard” is used in the Charlotte Sunday Observer to be defined as to prevent or hold back. The article reads, “Even live steam…failed to retard the flames.” Though the word was beginning to evolve, the definition of “to prevent” or “to delay” was still utilized. In the 1900s, the word “retarded” became very popular and prevalent when referring to the mentally disabled. Not only was it a medical term but it became slang for someone who is mentally disabled. In 1970 in Time Magazine a sentence reads, “There are…heroin addicts, Air Force and CIA mental retards and Broadway Indians doing a Broadway Snake Dance.” This use of the word “retard” is very much informal and almost slang. In 1971 an article in The New Yorker reads, “The younger son, self-described as ‘a hard-core retard’, dreams of escaping to the wilds of Oregon to gambol with the bears and squirrels.” Again, though referring to someone who is mentally handicapped, the word “retarded” is simply shortened to “retard” to become quicker and somewhat slang. In 1979 in the Observer is the first record of the word “retard” being used as “dummy” or “idiot”. The sentence reads, “These are men who have been out of England for years on end... Social retards, they can still hold onto their given obsolete ideas and prejudices about women because of their geographical isolation, and their marooned intellects.” The men referred to are not actually mentally retarded, they are just dumb, socially speaking. This definition became very popular in the later 1900s and early 2000s.
Now, one could hear the word “retard” used as an insult to someone by using it to call them “dumb” or “ignorant”. While insulting the one being named, is that not also insulting actual retards? Is that not so very rude to those who actually are mentally handicapped? If I were mentally handicapped, I would not appreciate the word “retard” being paralleled with the word “dumb”. Just like I do not like the word “blonde” associated with the word “dumb”. Although some mentally handicapped people do not understand this association, many do. So basically, in stead of calling that person mentally handicapped, it would be okay to call them mentally idiotic? I think not. I do not think anyone likes a word that describes themselves also describing something derogatory and negative. Many people have close relatives that are mentally handicapped that also take serious offense to this connotation. “You’ll never hear me callin’ anyone a retard,” said my high school Economics teacher. His daughter is mentally handicapped. “I just can’t stand it when people replace the word “dumb” with something like “retarded”. My daughter is actually very intelligent though she may be a little different than you or me.”
I believe the best definition for the word “retard” is to delay or slow down. I also think using “retarded” to describe a mentally handicapped person is legitimate also. However, when used as an insult in a derogatory manner, I believe the word “retard” is very inappropriate and should be more carefully looked upon. So next time you are thinking about calling someone a “retard”, think about all the people you could be hurting or insulting.
“Retard.” Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989.NewsBank/Readex. The Boston Newsletter. Editorial. America's Historical Newspapers. 26 May 1704. 11th ed. Boston, Massachusetts.
NewsBank/Readex. American Weekly Mercury. Editorial. America’s Historical
Newspapers. 7 April 1720. 16th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
NewsBank/Readex. The Courier. Editorial. America’s Historical Newspapers. 4 May
1800. 12th ed. Norwich, Connecticut.
The Georgia Telegraph. Editorial. America’s Historical Newspapers. 5 April 1849. 29th
ed. Macon, Georgia.
Charlotte Sunday Observer. America’s Historical Newspapers. 17 June 1922. 20th ed.
Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bradley, Mark. Personal Quotation. 20 September 2008.
Well, the word “retard” was first found printed in American newspapers in 1704. It was used to describe the slowing down or the diminishing of something. The 1704 article from the Boston News Letter reads “…but the Precarious Title of the present King of Spain is likely to retard the fame.” After reading that sentence in context, I found the word “retard” to mean slow down or diminish. That word was used numerous times in newspapers in the 1700s. In 1720, in the American Weekly Mercury, the word “retard” was defined as creating some sort of hindrance. The article reads “In order to remove all obstacles, which may in the least retard what is so conducive…” Again, after reading that line in context, it seems that “retard” is supposed to be defined as “to hinder”. One major change that occurred in the 1700s was the addition of the word “retard” as a noun as well as a verb. The definition of the word was now “delay”. Though the definition did not change radically, the usage of the word could be broadened and more abundantly used in other grammatical situations. Throughout the articles from the 1700s containing the word “retard”, the definition in context remained relatively constant. There was no great alteration to the significance of the word until many years later.
In The Courier in 1800, an article was produced using the word “retard” as a replacement to describe the process of slowing down. This usage was very similar to many of the usages in the 1700s. Obviously over these years, the language did not evolve so greatly. In 1849, in The Georgia Telegraph, the word “retard” is used like the word “prevent”. It says, “Nothing can prevent or ever retard these results”. In that sentence itself, it describes “retard” as to prevent. In 1895, the first major change to the definition in context of the word occurred. Though the definition is not wildly different, the definition in context took quite a turn. In G. E. Shuttleworth’s Mentally-Deficient Children, he uses the word “retarded” to describe a mentally handicapped person. The sentence reads, “Such children are also described as ‘backward’, or of ‘retarded mental development’.” This is the first time the word “retard” or “retarded” had been used related to a mental deficiency.
In 1922, the word “retard” is used in the Charlotte Sunday Observer to be defined as to prevent or hold back. The article reads, “Even live steam…failed to retard the flames.” Though the word was beginning to evolve, the definition of “to prevent” or “to delay” was still utilized. In the 1900s, the word “retarded” became very popular and prevalent when referring to the mentally disabled. Not only was it a medical term but it became slang for someone who is mentally disabled. In 1970 in Time Magazine a sentence reads, “There are…heroin addicts, Air Force and CIA mental retards and Broadway Indians doing a Broadway Snake Dance.” This use of the word “retard” is very much informal and almost slang. In 1971 an article in The New Yorker reads, “The younger son, self-described as ‘a hard-core retard’, dreams of escaping to the wilds of Oregon to gambol with the bears and squirrels.” Again, though referring to someone who is mentally handicapped, the word “retarded” is simply shortened to “retard” to become quicker and somewhat slang. In 1979 in the Observer is the first record of the word “retard” being used as “dummy” or “idiot”. The sentence reads, “These are men who have been out of England for years on end... Social retards, they can still hold onto their given obsolete ideas and prejudices about women because of their geographical isolation, and their marooned intellects.” The men referred to are not actually mentally retarded, they are just dumb, socially speaking. This definition became very popular in the later 1900s and early 2000s.
Now, one could hear the word “retard” used as an insult to someone by using it to call them “dumb” or “ignorant”. While insulting the one being named, is that not also insulting actual retards? Is that not so very rude to those who actually are mentally handicapped? If I were mentally handicapped, I would not appreciate the word “retard” being paralleled with the word “dumb”. Just like I do not like the word “blonde” associated with the word “dumb”. Although some mentally handicapped people do not understand this association, many do. So basically, in stead of calling that person mentally handicapped, it would be okay to call them mentally idiotic? I think not. I do not think anyone likes a word that describes themselves also describing something derogatory and negative. Many people have close relatives that are mentally handicapped that also take serious offense to this connotation. “You’ll never hear me callin’ anyone a retard,” said my high school Economics teacher. His daughter is mentally handicapped. “I just can’t stand it when people replace the word “dumb” with something like “retarded”. My daughter is actually very intelligent though she may be a little different than you or me.”
I believe the best definition for the word “retard” is to delay or slow down. I also think using “retarded” to describe a mentally handicapped person is legitimate also. However, when used as an insult in a derogatory manner, I believe the word “retard” is very inappropriate and should be more carefully looked upon. So next time you are thinking about calling someone a “retard”, think about all the people you could be hurting or insulting.
“Retard.” Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989.NewsBank/Readex. The Boston Newsletter. Editorial. America's Historical Newspapers. 26 May 1704. 11th ed. Boston, Massachusetts.
NewsBank/Readex. American Weekly Mercury. Editorial. America’s Historical
Newspapers. 7 April 1720. 16th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
NewsBank/Readex. The Courier. Editorial. America’s Historical Newspapers. 4 May
1800. 12th ed. Norwich, Connecticut.
The Georgia Telegraph. Editorial. America’s Historical Newspapers. 5 April 1849. 29th
ed. Macon, Georgia.
Charlotte Sunday Observer. America’s Historical Newspapers. 17 June 1922. 20th ed.
Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bradley, Mark. Personal Quotation. 20 September 2008.
Friday, March 7, 2008
This Means That and That Means This
We recently did a reading from our About Language book on the word "macho". Before reading that, I had never viewed that word as an insult or as a derogatory description. To me, macho is a strong, well-built man who can handle anything. In the article "macho" (to Americans) means basically a guy who is a pig. "Macho" is not the only word that is easily interpreted.
I was speaking to my friend last week (we'll call him Eric) and I learned a new meaning for the word "bad". A very attractive girl walked by us and Eric said, "Dude, she's bad." I was a bit confused for a while and that was obvious to him. He then explained that by calling her "bad", he is calling her "very good-looking". He also explained that the word "bad" can be used for a good song or a nice car. After that, I was intrigued. I asked him what other alternatively defined words he or his friends used.
He laughed and then began thinking of all the words or phrases he uses that do not necessarily mean what they are defined as in the literal sense. One phrase he brought up that I found interesting was "I'm down with that", which to he and his friends means "Yeah, that's fine" or "I'll be there". However, if you think of that phrase in the actual sense, it would appear that by saying that, he is down on the ground or floor with whatever they are referring to, when obviously he is not.
Another different example of this phenomenon is the use of the "n" word. The "n" word can usually be used appropriately between two black men who are friends. If a white man or woman uses it towards a black man or woman, it is definitely considered a derogatory comment and is very offensive. In my Africana Studies class we discussed this, and a few of the black students said that there are even certain black people that use the "n" word and it seems offensive. Honestly, I don't know who you have to be or how you have to act to be able to use the word appropriately, but I find it interesting that it has two very powerful extremes. If a man is another man's "n" word, he is his friend, his companion. That way it is used as a compliment. However, if a white man belittlelingly says it to a black man, it is the worst of insults.
Words evolve and change everyday. The word "the" will probably mean something completely bizarre and different in twenty years! So who really knows what "I'm down with being bad and macho" means?
I was speaking to my friend last week (we'll call him Eric) and I learned a new meaning for the word "bad". A very attractive girl walked by us and Eric said, "Dude, she's bad." I was a bit confused for a while and that was obvious to him. He then explained that by calling her "bad", he is calling her "very good-looking". He also explained that the word "bad" can be used for a good song or a nice car. After that, I was intrigued. I asked him what other alternatively defined words he or his friends used.
He laughed and then began thinking of all the words or phrases he uses that do not necessarily mean what they are defined as in the literal sense. One phrase he brought up that I found interesting was "I'm down with that", which to he and his friends means "Yeah, that's fine" or "I'll be there". However, if you think of that phrase in the actual sense, it would appear that by saying that, he is down on the ground or floor with whatever they are referring to, when obviously he is not.
Another different example of this phenomenon is the use of the "n" word. The "n" word can usually be used appropriately between two black men who are friends. If a white man or woman uses it towards a black man or woman, it is definitely considered a derogatory comment and is very offensive. In my Africana Studies class we discussed this, and a few of the black students said that there are even certain black people that use the "n" word and it seems offensive. Honestly, I don't know who you have to be or how you have to act to be able to use the word appropriately, but I find it interesting that it has two very powerful extremes. If a man is another man's "n" word, he is his friend, his companion. That way it is used as a compliment. However, if a white man belittlelingly says it to a black man, it is the worst of insults.
Words evolve and change everyday. The word "the" will probably mean something completely bizarre and different in twenty years! So who really knows what "I'm down with being bad and macho" means?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
"i" Before "e" Except After "c"
Everyone remembers the "i" before "e" except after "c" rule. Except, is it always true? No, what about words like science or society? What about prescient or conscience? In grade school we are taught concrete rules that stick in our minds without learning the loop holes. Like Robert Klose said in "A Rarity: Grammar Lessons from Dad", blame must be put on someone and he simply places in on the schools. I believe he has a valid point, especially when he states that the younger teachers do not focus on the so called loop holes of grammar because they were not exposed to them either.
Grammar is misused millions or even billions of times each day. Some people consciously say "ain't" even when they know the proper way to put that thought into words is by using "isn't" or "aren't". People say "if I was you..." when the grammatically correct way to put that is "if I were you..."
Some of us were never taught the correct rules of grammar and some of us just never chose to accept them. And of course, some just slip up every now and then and say something incorrectly. Ignoring the correct grammar is the problem. Just like Klose illustrates in his essay, learning simple grammatical rules can be fun and easy if it is taught the right way. In a matter of seconds his son learned a grammatical concept and put it into practice immediately.
Accepting and learning grammar is not only about the intake of the knowledge but also about the output of that knowledge. How is the information presented? Does it seem interesting? It is very easy for someone to shut out something that is completely boring and uninteresting.
Though I have jumped around a lot in this post, my point remains: If grammar is being misused, there is generally a reason behind it. That reason may be one of many but there will be a reason. Whether it is basic ignorance or lack of opportunity to learn, correct grammar can be easily looked over.
Grammar is misused millions or even billions of times each day. Some people consciously say "ain't" even when they know the proper way to put that thought into words is by using "isn't" or "aren't". People say "if I was you..." when the grammatically correct way to put that is "if I were you..."
Some of us were never taught the correct rules of grammar and some of us just never chose to accept them. And of course, some just slip up every now and then and say something incorrectly. Ignoring the correct grammar is the problem. Just like Klose illustrates in his essay, learning simple grammatical rules can be fun and easy if it is taught the right way. In a matter of seconds his son learned a grammatical concept and put it into practice immediately.
Accepting and learning grammar is not only about the intake of the knowledge but also about the output of that knowledge. How is the information presented? Does it seem interesting? It is very easy for someone to shut out something that is completely boring and uninteresting.
Though I have jumped around a lot in this post, my point remains: If grammar is being misused, there is generally a reason behind it. That reason may be one of many but there will be a reason. Whether it is basic ignorance or lack of opportunity to learn, correct grammar can be easily looked over.
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