The Assessors write: “ a significant number of students wrote about social aspects of a topic but not enough about its linguistic aspects. Students are again reminded that analysis using metalinguistic terms as a tool is an expected quality in the examination.” (2018 English Language examination report, VCAA)
Discriminatory linguistic terms in the public domain
Language can be inflammatory; sensationalised words and stories that seek an emotional response can arouse latent emotions of anger, fear and hostility.
The use of discriminatory linguistic features can draw attention to specific racial groups. Contrastingly, politically-correct-inspired language helps “remove the stigma of negative social stereotypes by compelling its audience to be beyond the simple content of the message and challenge prejudices embodied in language”. (Kate Burridge)
Inappropriate use of profanities in the public domain/texting and new technological forms of communication.
Eddie McGuire’s comments regarding the pre-match coin toss of Cynthia Banham (March 2019)
Oftentimes, comments made by public commentators may inadvertently or covertly be exclusive because they contribute to, and reinforce, feelings of inferiority or exclusion that may be experienced by marginalised social or racial groups. For example, prior to the Sydney Swans versus Adelaide Crows AFL match on Friday 29th March, Eddie McGuire (media commentator and president of Collingwood Football Club) jokingly said people should be “fined” if the coin is not “flipped correctly”. His comments on Fox Footy referred to the Swans ambassador Cynthia Banham, who is a double amputee.
It is primarily from a covert discourse perspective that McGuire’s comments appeared to be inflammatory, offensive and inappropriate. The juxtaposition of McGuire’s on-air commentary with the video footage of Ms Banham, who was using a walking stick, provoked the impression that the comments were directly related to her disability. Whilst McGuire apologised, and said this was unintentional, his comments were seen as an attempt to set up for ridicule a vulnerable person.
From both a discourse and a syntactic perspective, McGuire’s direct quotes and complex and declarative sentences (reflecting his role as a media commentator) left the public in no doubt as to his flippant tone and air of frustration. He noted: “I think we should introduce a $5000 fine to anybody who’s tossing the coin and can’t do it properly.”
“Every week, we have someone dropping it on their foot.” (Note the declarative sentence (syntax) and discourse features: an anecdotal recount that is part of his role as a commentator).
“Come on, toss it up properly, for goodness sake. Practice in the week, you know you’re going to do it. It can’t be that hard can it, guys?” (Syntax: imperative and rhetorical sentences and information flow: anaphoric references to “it”/the coin: discourse features: McGuire’s attempt to inject humour into his commentary.)
Taboo: As a reflection of the inappropriate nature of such comments, McGuire was criticised by AFL and public commentators alike and refrained from his commentating duties the next day.
- In 2019, Rugby Australia chiefs seek to terminate Israel Folau’s contract and Dr Christopher Lee is suspended from his duties as Registrar
- Backlash re Mr Scott Morrison’s speech on International Women’s Day, 2019
- In 2018, Barry Hall was sacked from his role on Triple M, because of sexist comments he made about an obstetrics procedure.
- In 2018, Victoria Labor politician Adem Somyurek texted a stream of abusive and bitter threats against a Federal MP. Mr Somyurek also threatened Mr Uren with a knife.
- For other examples of “sackable” /taboo-related linguistic offences see examples and rulings regarding language from the Fair Work Commissioner
- See Double speak or “duck speak” (1984 quotes/George Orwell)
- See use of profanities in public.
- Also see inappropriate use of “trolling” by public figure.
- Return to English Language Tasks and Resources for 2019
- Return to Public Language and Identity, essays and quotes
- Return to Formal and Informal Language, essays and quotes
- Classes This Week