Abstract
After a reference in the Introduction to action by pressure groups against derogatory language used by the speech community when referring to particular social groups or social convictions, mention is made of various unprotesting social groups. The whole of section 2 is devoted to a discussion of racist language in society. Seven different categories are illustrated with examples from various languages. The important question of how racist language should be handled in dictionaries is examined in section 3. Examples of protests by ethnic pressure groups are given, followed by a wide-ranging discussion of subjects such as the inclusion or exclusion of racist lexical items, definitions and usage labels of racist items, and the utilization of usage examples of racist items with definientia. Where applicable, suitable definitions and effectual usage labels are suggested. <b>Keywords:</b> definientia, ethnic, examples of racist language, fauna and flora, geographic names, inclusion or exclusion, interracial, multicultural and polyethnic societies, pragmatic perspective, pressure groups, race, racist, racist expressions, racist language, racist language in dictionaries, racist language in society, racist secondary senses, school dictionaries, unprotesting social groups, usage examples, usage labels
Highlights
After a reference in the Introduction to action by pressure groups against derogatory language used by the speech community when referring to particular social groups or social convictions, mention is made of various unprotesting social groups
A rather more serious threat to the acceptability of a dictionary is posed by concerted criticism, sometimes backed by destructive action, from pressure groupS in the community. Such criticism initially takes the form of protests against derogatory words, meanings and expressions used by the community at 1arge when referring to particu1ar social groups or social convictions
The theme of this paper belongs to the comprehensive lexicographical category which is generally described as taboo or offensive lexical items. £ aim was, firstly, to survey the types and prevalence of racist language in society, and, secondly, to examine and comment on ways and means by which such language is and could be handled in dictionar:ies
Summary
A rather more serious threat to the acceptability of a dictionary (or perhaps even to the lexicographer's professiona status and self-confidence) is posed by concerted criticism, sometimes backed by destructive action, from pressure groupS in the community. Such criticism initially takes the form of protests against derogatory words, meanings and expressions used by the community at 1arge when referring to particu1ar social groups or social convictions. These protests are directed against the inclusion of such objectionable and offensive lexical items in dictionaries. Publications on racist language will be cited where relevant further on in this paper
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