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on language
Jun. 5th, 2009 06:12 amSeriously, is there a workable alternative to the default use of 'brother' or 'sister' in some communities? I know it's meant to be welcoming, to carry some meaning about connection, but for me, it marks me as an outsider, sets me decidedly on edge, and makes me either look to defend myself, fight, or withdraw.
On the subject of social language, I hate being a point of linguistic difficulty for friends. I know I'm oversensitized, but I can't help but note the pauses, the overuse of proper nouns and the occasional pronouns slips as people try to navigate context and comfort when speaking to others. I feel badly for my friends and for myself. I thought language was meant to be a tool, not a rigid overseer.
On the subject of social language, I hate being a point of linguistic difficulty for friends. I know I'm oversensitized, but I can't help but note the pauses, the overuse of proper nouns and the occasional pronouns slips as people try to navigate context and comfort when speaking to others. I feel badly for my friends and for myself. I thought language was meant to be a tool, not a rigid overseer.
