This thesis deals with the lexeme „nigger“ under the aspect of the ongoing debate about political correctness. The aim is to show, how the word has developed from a neutral meaning to a taboo word and why and where it arouses a great deal of interest in public. Furthermore, I want to analyse, using the example of „nigger“, how offensive words are objectively described and how that is documented in some important monolingual dictionaries of the English language.
The lexical field about and around the word „nigger“ has aroused people’s interest in the last two decades. More and more people from Africa immigrate to Europe due to war, poverty, etc. in their home countries. Expressions for addressing and talking about black people are used more often than in the past and therefore these words gain people’s attention. Especially the term „nigger“ has led and still leads to discussions in public today.
Several incidents have contributed to the growing interest about the word, too. To only name one example amongst hundreds, the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida in February 2012, caused a worldwide discussion about racial discrimination. The African-American student was shot by the 28-year-old neighbourhood watch George Zimmerman, a Hispanic man, who was responsible for the gated community where Martin was living. During an altercation Zimmerman shot the boy who was unarmed. The neighbourhood watch claimed he had acted in self-defence. The fact that he was not charged with murder, due to lack of evidence, made the huge debate about racial discrimination worse (McVeigh 2012). There are a lot of other examples that could be mentioned, where (innocent) black people have been abused by white people with racist motives, even by police force but this is not part of the term paper.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The lexical field nigger
- 2.1 Nigger in political correctness
- 2.2 History and etymology of the lexeme nigger
- 3. Analysis of dictionary entries
- 3.1 Nigger in dictionaries
- 3.2 Compounds
- 4. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis examines the lexeme "nigger" within the context of the ongoing debate surrounding political correctness. The main objective is to trace the word's evolution from a neutral term to a taboo word, exploring the reasons behind its controversial status and its prominent place in public discourse. The analysis also investigates how dictionaries objectively describe offensive words, using "nigger" as a case study.
- The evolution of the word "nigger" from a neutral descriptor to a racial slur.
- The role of political correctness in shaping the perception and usage of the word.
- The impact of the word on public discourse and social perceptions of race.
- Analysis of how dictionaries handle the description and definition of offensive words.
- The historical and etymological context of the word "nigger."
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the thesis by highlighting the increased public attention given to the lexeme "nigger" in recent decades, largely due to increased immigration to Europe and incidents like the Trayvon Martin case. It emphasizes the ongoing debate surrounding racial discrimination and the word's role within that context. The chapter establishes the thesis's aim: to analyze the word's evolution into a taboo term and its representation in English dictionaries. The author clearly states their intent to investigate the objective descriptions of offensive language within major dictionaries.
2. The lexical field nigger: This chapter delves into the complexities surrounding the word "nigger" within the framework of political correctness. It explores the word's prevalence in various contexts, including politics, online discussions, and daily life. The chapter further examines reactions to the removal of the word from children's literature, sparking discussions about the balance between historical accuracy and contemporary sensitivities. A significant portion focuses on the etymology and history of the word, tracing its transformation from a neutral descriptor to a highly offensive racial slur. The chapter notably cites conflicting opinions on modifying classic literature for modern audiences, highlighting the inherent tension between preserving the original text and the potential harm caused by its insensitive language.
3. Analysis of dictionary entries: This chapter is dedicated to a detailed examination of how major monolingual English dictionaries define and describe the word "nigger." It dissects the approaches different dictionaries take in handling a highly offensive term, highlighting their various strategies for explaining its meaning, usage, and historical context. The analysis likely involves a close reading of the dictionary entries, comparing and contrasting their approaches. The chapter also likely explores the inclusion or exclusion of compounds and related terms within the lexicographical treatment of the word, emphasizing the lexicographers’ choices and their implications.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Political correctness, nigger, racial slur, etymology, dictionaries, taboo words, offensive language, racial discrimination, historical context, social impact, lexicography, Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn, children's literature.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview on the Lexeme "Nigger"
What is the main topic of this academic preview?
This preview presents a comprehensive analysis of the lexeme "nigger," exploring its historical evolution, its current controversial status within the context of political correctness, and its treatment in English dictionaries. The analysis focuses on the word's transformation from a neutral term to a deeply offensive racial slur.
What are the key themes explored in the preview?
Key themes include the evolution of "nigger" from a neutral descriptor to a racial slur, the role of political correctness in shaping its perception and usage, its impact on public discourse and social perceptions of race, the methods used by dictionaries to define and describe offensive words, and the historical and etymological context of the word.
What chapters are included in the full text?
The full text includes an introduction, a chapter on the lexical field of "nigger" (including its use in political correctness and its historical etymology), a chapter analyzing dictionary entries for the word (including compounds), and a conclusion.
What is the objective of the analysis presented in the preview?
The main objective is to trace the word's evolution from a neutral term to a taboo word, exploring the reasons behind its controversial status and its prominent place in public discourse. The analysis also investigates how dictionaries objectively describe offensive words, using "nigger" as a case study.
How does the preview analyze dictionary entries?
The preview analyzes how major monolingual English dictionaries define and describe "nigger," comparing and contrasting their approaches to handling such a highly offensive term. It examines their strategies for explaining its meaning, usage, and historical context, including the inclusion or exclusion of compounds and related terms.
What is the significance of the word "nigger" in the context of political correctness?
The preview examines the complexities surrounding the word "nigger" within the framework of political correctness, exploring its prevalence in various contexts and reactions to its removal from children's literature. It highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between historical accuracy and contemporary sensitivities.
What historical context is provided for the word "nigger"?
The preview traces the etymology and history of the word "nigger," detailing its transformation from a neutral descriptor to a highly offensive racial slur. It explores conflicting opinions on modifying classic literature for modern audiences, highlighting the tension between preserving original text and mitigating potential harm.
What are some examples of related keywords used in this analysis?
Keywords include: Political correctness, nigger, racial slur, etymology, dictionaries, taboo words, offensive language, racial discrimination, historical context, social impact, lexicography, Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn, children's literature.
- Quote paper
- Kathrin Unglaub (Author), 2015, An analysis of the lexem "nigger" under the aspect of the ongoing debate about Political Correctness, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/319760
