Dominated by ambulist metaphors
October 30th, 2007From the (London) New Statesman:
Disability columnist Victoria Brignell writes about all the ways the English language reflects the experience of those who are able to walk.
Just as history is written by the victors, so language evolves to reflect the concerns and interests of the powerful. Throughout human existence, power has rested with able-bodied people and the effects of this are evident in the words people say today.
Obviously, even if disabled people wanted to, it would be impossible to change the prevalence of general able-bodied language. But now disabled people finally have a voice in society, we can and do exert a subtle influence over language.
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on Tuesday, October 30th, 2007 at 8:36 am and is filed under language, public attitudes, wheelchair.
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