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The use of 'appropriate' language is always a live one and something I often find personally difficult, principally because language is not static but organic and therefore always changing its meaning and open to interpretation. What is offensive in one context can be liberating or challenging to the status quo in another, it depends how it is used and by whom. For me the issue is to do with power and the difference between self-definition and being defined by others. I am sure there would be some who adhere to a tragedy or medical model of disability who believe they are calling a shovel a shovel and telling it like it is. However I do agree that debates around what language is the most appropriate to use and how, can sometimes act as a diversionary tactic from action against challenging the root causes of injustice that spurn offensive stereotypes and derogatory language in the first place. After all modifying your language is the easy bit. Madeleine -----Original Message----- From: Helen Green [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 01 February 2002 13:04 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Language Hear Hear Brendan. As a practising health professional there are many times, particularly in meetings, I find choosing 'an appropriate' word difficult if not impossible, without the actual or perceived risk of offending those present. When I talk with parents of and children/young people with disability which may include a learning disability, they "call it like it is, and stop plitterin' around." Maybe that's because where I come from, in the north of England, a shovel is called a shovel. Helen ________________End of message______________________ Archives and tools for the Disability-Research Discussion List are now located at: www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/disability-research.html You can JOIN or LEAVE the list from this web page. ________________End of message______________________ Archives and tools for the Disability-Research Discussion List are now located at: www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/disability-research.html You can JOIN or LEAVE the list from this web page.