Hi Everyone,
Well, I did stir up the hornet's nest I expected, so I shall not
complain about that. In addition to the postings to the list, I have
received several private emails from list members. It's interesting
that the private ones are almost entirely supportive of my stated views.
However, having read everything that's come my way on this subject,
I can safely say that I have learned nothing new about the language of
disability from postings here. The fact still remains that, as
acknowledged by some of the more active protagonists, language is
organic and does change. So what does it matter what words are used at
any particular point in time? The important thing is that we are clear
in our use of language and that we make reasonable efforts to ensure
that our audience will understand what we mean.
As researchers, academics, professionals or whatever we are, the
words that we use will be taken into common usage via the media and
politicians. Once our words and phrases are fully assimilated into
everyday language, we will have long lost control of their meaning or
how they might be understood by a much wider audience. Whether we like
it or not, our new language acquires the cultural baggage associated
with the old language that we intended to replace. The result of this
is that, after all our debating about models, meanings, identities and
the rest, we are no further forward - except that there is an entirely
new set of words for the next generation of researchers and academics to
argue about.
I haven't been bored by this discussion, as one contributor presumed
I might have been. On the contrary, I am enlightened.
I shall, however, get on with my real work. I'll shortly post
something to the list about that work and what I am trying to do.
Best wishes to all,
Brendan.
--
BRENDAN MAGILL
Business and Information Technology
Consultancy, Training and Research
Yew Tree Cottage
Winnall Common
Allensmore
Herefordshire
HR2 9BS
England
Phone: +44 (0)1981 570660
Fax: +44 (0)870 127 7856
Web: www.magill.co.uk
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