The most appropriate label is usually the one someone’s parents have given them.

     


The most appropriate label is usually the one someone’s parents have given them.

 

 

Speaking, writing, and reading are integral to everyday life, where language is the primary tool for expression and communication. The words and phrases that people choose to use consciously and unconsciously can help us understand ourselves and why we behave the way we do.  Language is used to express culture common tradition and it's important because it helps countries and cultures preserve, they knowledge and represents the meanings we have constructed from experience.

 

Languages be incredibly important to indigenous communities and cultures. In Australia there are more than 250 indigenous languages including around 800 dialects. Languages are living things that connect people to country, culture, and ancestors. Aboriginal and touristed Islander people believe that the land gave birth to their language. Language and culture inseparable. In the time of creation, ancestral being spread across the continent creating all landforms, plants, animals, and humans. These beings, which took many different forms, established societies and the laws for living, the languages, customs, and ceremonies. Many Aboriginal people believe that if their language survives, then they survive as a people. It is the language that keeps the people strong.

 

 

Languages are places of archive.  Archive culture, history, and all that it covers - songs, song lines, sites…. it's all in the story in the language. Being able to pass on language to future generations is central to keeping language, identity, and culture strong. Speaking in language is also a powerful connexion to ancestral spirits.

 

Language is more than a means to communicate, it is what makes aboriginal tourist rate island of people unique and plays a central role in our sense of identity. Language also carries meaning beyond the words themselves. It is a platform which allows us to pass on cultural knowledge and heritage. Speaking and learning language provides a sense of belonging and empowerment.

 

However, the words that we use comma the language that we utilised comma can have a negative effect as well.

 

Try this for an experiment.

 

Is sitting at your desk, when a friend texts you an article about a topic, you're passionate about. You read it and ask her what she thinks. To your surprise, her opinion is the opposite of your own. These obviously upsets you. Later that evening, as you explain what happened to your partner, how do you describe your friends POV?

 

If you said it was “stupid,” “insane,” “crazy,” “lame,” or “dumb,” you have (unknowingly or not) participated in spreading ableist language.

 

You may be surprised to learn that your response was a form of discrimination. People use ableist words and phrases every day without realising the harm that they do. Ableism is defined as discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. It can manifest as an attitude, stereotype, or an outright offensive comment or behaviour. When it comes to language, ableism often shows up in metaphors, jokes, and euphemisms in conversation.

 

The community sector has always struggled to settle on which language is popular and positive. for instance, do we provide services for “participants,” “client,” or “service users.”  Is it fair to call a person who is mandated or ordered by the court to attend and participate in our services – a “participant” - when they really don't want to be there. Is it fair to refer to a young person who was being placed in care, as a “client,” when they are really a child.  Do we call a person who has a disability “disabled”, or a “person with a disability”.

 

Well, the answer that I have, is really in the headline of this blog. The most appropriate label is usually the one that someone's parents have given them. It is their name. The people that we provide services for within the community sector are not a “number,” they're not a “client,” there not a “participant.”  Importantly they're a person with a name. And this is how we should address them.

 

Language is a tool we use to make sense of our feelings in the environment. When we verbally describe the things, experiences, and people around us we are also assigning value to them and that value impacts how we interact with each other

 

 

 


Niki is a mum with 4 grown children and one grandson.  Having worked in the industry for 20 years, Niki understands the challenges, struggles and most importantly the privallage, of working with children and families within the sector.




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