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Humanities Edge Undergraduate Research Symposium | Fall 2023

The “Proper” Way to Speak English: Linguistic Racism and the Arbitrary Nature of Language by Andrea Terrero

Abstract

Is there a “proper” way to speak English? Is there a “right” way to talk or write? What makes certain words, phrases, or pronunciations the “correct” ones when language is an evolving force that naturally shifts toward the way the majority of people are using it? Such questions prompted this research, which dives into the topic of language and how the concept of “properness,” can lead to linguistic racism.

Research Poster

The “Proper” Way to Speak English: Linguistic Racism and the Arbitrary Nature of Language Research Poster