Language is not only a conventional communicative system, it has a role in our society. It carries power and can reinforce existing authority models through the use of simple words. The most influential groups in society have always used language to subjugate and undermine the weakest. However, reappropriating these terms can be just as powerful and help minorities fight back against oppression. The aim of this thesis is to explore whether reappropriation has had a tangible impact on the lives of target groups and if it may be an effective tool for empowerment and social struggle. First I am going to explore how the language of discrimination works and its effect on target groups. Then I will investigate the process of reappropriation and the need for a sense of community and shared identity to make this process work. In order to have a more concrete view of the phenomenon of reappropriation, I am going to examine the evolution of the word “queer”, from the original meaning of “strange” or “peculiar” in a pejorative sense to an umbrella term that anyone who isn’t cisgender or heterosexual can feel comfortable using to identify themselves.

The language of hate and its reappropriation

VANZAN, CHIARA
2022/2023

Abstract

Language is not only a conventional communicative system, it has a role in our society. It carries power and can reinforce existing authority models through the use of simple words. The most influential groups in society have always used language to subjugate and undermine the weakest. However, reappropriating these terms can be just as powerful and help minorities fight back against oppression. The aim of this thesis is to explore whether reappropriation has had a tangible impact on the lives of target groups and if it may be an effective tool for empowerment and social struggle. First I am going to explore how the language of discrimination works and its effect on target groups. Then I will investigate the process of reappropriation and the need for a sense of community and shared identity to make this process work. In order to have a more concrete view of the phenomenon of reappropriation, I am going to examine the evolution of the word “queer”, from the original meaning of “strange” or “peculiar” in a pejorative sense to an umbrella term that anyone who isn’t cisgender or heterosexual can feel comfortable using to identify themselves.
2022
The language of hate and its reappropriation
hate speech
reappropriation
discrimination
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/44193