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POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND RELEVANCY OF ITS STUDY IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

https://doi.org/10.24833/2410-2423-2018-2-14-127-134

Abstract

The article considers the relevance of studying politically correct English language in Russian universities, which is currently normative for a formal style of communication in the West. «Political correctness» is defined as a term that refers to a language and political ideas which addresses the issues related to discrimination, alienation of politically, socially or economically disadvantaged groups of people. According to foreign sources, the term is defined as «politically correct (P.C.) language, behavior, and attitudes that are carefully chosen so that they do not offend or insult anyone». In order to enhance the active vocabulary of students of humanitarian sciences studying the English language, we conducted research work, in the course of which the historic development and modification of the concept «political correctness» was analyzed and the most frequent politically correct words and phrases were identified. The study of lexical units that are recommended for use in formal communication made it possible to determine the content of a politically correct dictionary for students of humanitarian sciences, based on the analysis of the most authoritative media and observers (The Guardian, Encyclopedia Britannica etc.). The authors come to the conclusion that political correctness is currently used mainly as a means of control and manipulation of public consciousness. The article makes the case for studying politically correct vocabulary as a part of modern linguistic culture.

About the Authors

Maxim V. Melnikov
Ulyanovsk State Agricultural University
Russian Federation

1, boulevard Novy Venets, Ulyanovsk, 432017

Maxim V. Melnikov – PhD, Assistant Professor of Department of Foreign Languages, UlSAU University (Ulyanovsk, Russia). Spheres of research and professional interest: language teaching methodology, sociolinguistics.



Marina A. Morozova
Ulyanovsk Institute of Civil Aviation
Russian Federation

8/8, Mozhajskogo Street, Ulyanovsk, 432071

Marina A. Morozova – PhD, Assistant Professor of Department of Foreign Languages, UICA Institute (Ulyanovsk, Russia). Spheres of research and professional interest: language teaching methodology, sociolinguistics.



References

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Review

For citations:


Melnikov M.V., Morozova M.A. POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND RELEVANCY OF ITS STUDY IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS. Linguistics & Polyglot Studies. 2018;2(14):127-134. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24833/2410-2423-2018-2-14-127-134

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ISSN 2410-2423 (Print)
ISSN 2782-3717 (Online)