Write On! Features: Mind Your Language: Avoiding Vs Offending by Charlotte Simms

This debate was originally published in Issue 13 Write On! magazine

By Charlotte Simms

The English language has evolved dramatically, constantly reflecting changing societies, new experiences and developing cultures as our population grows. Unlike French, which has for centuries been protected by the ‘Académie Française,[1]’ English has always embraced the integration of other languages and ideas, using these to reflect changing cultural norms.

The fact our language changes how we see ourselves and who we are is a wonderful thing. However, by constantly adding new words to our vocabularies and ideas, it’s also easier to be tripped up in terms of usage; especially for us writers. For example, terminology once deemed appropriate can easily slip into being offensive, because of the history that surrounds the original meaning.

As we try to communicate meaning, the requirement for definitions of new events and inventions increases, so language isn’t ever fixed. To me, self-censorship doesn’t mean a blanket ban; rather, a consideration of how we deploy profanities and vulgar language that will be offensive to some. An awareness of when certain words or phrases can be used is vital and merits careful consideration. Those of us writing today should therefore be thinking very carefully about how we use our words, grateful for being able to draw on the huge variety of the largest language in the world, but also aware of our own roles as responsible curators.

Realistic, emotionally powerful, educational writing may well include a wide range of language, including terms which some might find offensive and discriminatory. In the right context, a particular historical setting, for example, characters may need to express themselves in a certain way. Though sometimes unfortunate, language that may seem unpalatable to modern readers is also a way of authentically representing a particular kind of world.

With that in mind, it’s worth looking at Quentin Tarantino’s 2012 film Django Unchained: a fictional story about a slave becoming a bounty hunter, setting himself against plantation owners. It’s presented in a revisionist western genre. Despite it being expected of him[2], Tarantino was still criticised for overusing racial slurs in his script.

Jaime Foxx, the film’s protagonist, defends the director’s dialogue and is supportive of Tarantino’s language: “I understood the text. The N-word was said one hundred times, but I understood the text – that’s the way it was back in that time.”

Many, however, have drawn unfavourable comparisons with the 2013 film, 12 Years A Slave: a historical drama based on the autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free Black man kidnapped and sold into slavery. The reason for Django’s more negative reception with regards to use of language may be because of the genre differences and the overall gravitas of the films. However, though one displays comedic elements which may be seen as distasteful, I believe both include important educational elements and a strong message around the treatment of Africans and African Americans in the US between 1776 -1865.

And what about literature? Much of the traditional literary canon is likely to include offensive language or slurs around race or class, as it will be reflective of the period of history it was written in. However, language that might be offensive because of the time of writing, shouldn’t mean automatic exclusion. Instead, context should be discussed, and informed alternative opinions should be offered. This is particularly interesting when explored in an educational setting, where young minds are being shaped.

A great example of this comes from the US, in what many consider to be modern literature. The critically acclaimed 2007 Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie tackles crucial issues such as racial identity, bullying, poverty and disability and was therefore added to the school curriculum. However, the glimpse into more difficult aspects of current social issues this YA book offers, lead to a plethora of complaints, ranging from the use of ‘filthy words’ to themes that were viewed as inflammatory and ‘anti-Christian’ resulting in 17 schools across the US banning the book.

In order to be heard, it’s important to make yourself understood with words that have impact. This can’t be taught without examples drawn from different genres, geographies, cultures and class. However, these different voices and messages must be sufficiently contextualised, so that, when racial slurs and other offensive or discriminatory language is used, the meanings surrounding them are understood – along with the consequences of their usage.

Writers are the curators of current social culture. We document, inform, educate and entertain. This does not come without its responsibilities. But neither should words or commentary be presented out of context or in isolation. Words can be shaped into history, with powerful characters drawn by a courageous pen becoming the voices we want to emulate. Words are weighty, and language matters – but only if we have the courage to keep challenging, discussing and creating, keeping it alive and moving forwards.

*****

Connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn: @charlotte-simms-489439201

[1] The Académie Française, also known as the French Academy, is the principal French council for matters pertaining to the French language. The Académie was officially established in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu, the chief minister to King Louis XIII. www.academie-francaise.fr

[2] Quentin Tarantino is a well-known American filmmaker whose films are all characterised by dark-humour, violence, pervasive use of profanity and frequent references to popular culture and film history