Someone on Facebook recently challenged me on my use of words from their culture and their language--which raises an interesting point. Is it ok for "gentiles" to use jewish words, or caucasians to use patois, whe communicating with people of that group? Is it insulting? Or does it use a familiar word to express a thought in a way you KNOW they'll understand?
The politics of language can be frought with difficulty. As a black man...it isn't acceptable for anyone else of a different colour to use the "n-word"...even in jest. But is it ok for other Afro-Canadians to use it? And we can't forget the other epithets of other races, and groups.
Language can be used to identify ourselves with a group of people, to be understood, to show solidarity, etc. And as long as language is being used in that way,I think it's fine to tailor your message to those who are listening...
As a Spanish-Canadian, Christian, straight, female, I have many in my circle of friends (both on & off the grid) that are of different racial, religious & sexual orientation. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a multicultural school system that provided many opportunities to learn about our differences, as well as our similarities.
ReplyDeleteI've never encountered a problem when using Hebrew or Yiddish words in communicating with a Jew, or arabic words with a Muslim, or patois with a Jamaican. Nor do I have a problem when people use Spanish words with me.
In my opinion, it connects the thoughts and creates an understanding.
Now, using epithets or racial slurs is a totally different ball game. This should only be done when there is an understanding by both parties that "joking" in this manner is acceptable and even then I'm not so sure. (my 2 cents worth)