Browsing by Author "Kaplan, Steven M."

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    A theoretical model for the preparation of an inclusive and bias-free expression dictionary
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Kaplan, Steven M.; Gouws, R. H.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The key to truly effective interpersonal relations is inclusive and bias-free expression, as language, culture, and society are inextricably intertwined. Expressions such as freedom, equality, ethics, justice, fairness, and objectivity have a prominent place within all cultural and societal contexts. Exclusive or biased expression may significantly impair how freedom is protected, equality upheld, ethics adhered to, justice meted, fairness preserved, and objectivity maintained. This can lead to individuals and groups of people being abused, bullied, dehumanised, oppressed, stereotyped, and othered. This unjust treatment might be based on gender, race, ethnic group, place of origin, sexual orientation, belief system, age, physical specific needs, and/or economic condition, among many others. This dissertation addresses three relevant, timely, and impactful lexicographical questions: •Are general English language dictionaries biased? •If so, how? •What kind of dictionary can be written to improve upon this situation? Despite there being widespread biased and exclusive expression in the English language, general dictionaries do not do an adequate job of alerting users to this usage. Users accessing these lexicons are usually only getting a part of the full picture, information that ignores these aspects, or even descriptions which promote further biased and exclusive usage. Therefore, these lexicons are biased. The dissertation begins by utilising a sociolinguistic framework to identify, describe, and illustrate biased and exclusive usage in the English language, focusing on some of the origins and current manifestations of the oppression and othering of two groups: females, and Hispanic Peoples. Next, eight example expressions help to scrutinise the performance of twelve habitually utilised general English language dictionaries, from the bias and exclusion perspectives. As a whole, these lexicons do not provide insight into how inequality, othering, and victimisation work through language. Their biased treatment is contrasted with how an inclusive and bias-free expression dictionary would handle these expressions, including some not yet incorporated into the general lexicons. This is followed by a comprehensive analysis of the users who will benefit from this specialised dictionary, and how to best fit their needs. These range from learners of the English language, all the way through scholars performing next-level research. The role this lexicon plays within a dictionary culture is also explored. Then, there is a thorough description of the typology, structures, functions, and content, along with lexicographers as real people, followed by a commentary on the benefits of electronic resources, suggestions for derivative works, and a recap of the contemplative and transformative characteristics of this dictionary. A problem in the current lexicographic practice is a lack of inclusive and bias-free expression dictionaries. To date, metalexicography has not assisted practical lexicographers in a sufficient way to plan and compile them. Factors including the interplay of exclusionary connotations of expressions, and the nuances and gradations of biased expression are beyond the scope of regular lexicons. This dissertation remedies this by providing a theoretical model for the preparation of a dictionary focused on biased and exclusive expression, so that users will have a trusted lexicographical reference covering these crucial aspects of language and communication.