How to apply politically correct lexicon in English classroom

Abstract

The article describes some approaches to explaining the essences of politically correct lexicon in English language classes. The purpose of this work is not only to familiarize learners with the concept of “political correctness”, but also to present alternate opinions on this subject so they can determine their own position with this issue in the future. The analysis of a series of papers on political, social and cultural aspects which influence interpersonal relationships allowed us to identify four major groups of politically correct lexical units which should be considered when communicating with members of different cultural backgrounds: 1) words used to reduce discriminatory practices; 2) words used for delicate description of people different from others in physiological and psychological parameters; 3) words used for tactful description of people with low social-economic status; 4) words used for diplomatic description of activities undertaken by government bodies. However it should be stressed that political correctness and good manners are not at all interchangeable concepts, and teachers ought to pass on this idea to their students.