"Alien," "illegal" or "undocumented." The conscious or unconscious selection of a particular word in a conversation can reveal a lot about the speaker. Labeling an immigrant an "alien" sounds bigoted to certain listeners, and the term "illegals" tends to be used by people who are more conservative.

Language is cultural, political, personal, historical and emotional, and choices in communication produce questions regarding intention versus reception.

Word choice may be specific to an era; phrases used during the 1950s were dramatically different than those used just 20 years later, and clinging to old verbiage, while language evolves, not only seems antiqued, but can be culturally insensitive.

"I look for and try to respect the perspective and history that mold these choices," Melissa Mann, an etymologist, translator and interpreter, told Latin Post. "It is crucial for me as a cultural communicator to understand why a speaker might use 'alien' over 'undocumented,' why 'African-American' may be trending among a given population of speakers in one decade when decades later that same population may choose to use 'black."

"There is no doubt that using a word is sometimes a conscious choice intended to oppress and/or offend. In these cases, I hope for the [offended party] to best explain why the word choice is offensive/oppressive and for the [offending] party to reconsider why and whether they truly must use such a word ... It may take a while for dialogue and word choice to overcome the disconnect between hopeful, inoffensive language and the insulting reality," continued Mann, who also said history has shown some examples of "progressive dialogue, changing discourse and lasting change."

For a long period of time, the terms "Negro," "n****r" or "colored" were commonplace descriptors for African-Americans or blacks. The benign roots of the n-word can be traced back to the Latin word meaning "black," but use and pronunciation changed with growing anti-black sentiment. However, as time progressed, the disparaging and racist nature of the word became less tolerated, and prompted a majority of American society to move away from the use of the word. Like the n-word, some derogatory terms applied to Latinos also claim innocent beginnings but have also become less acceptable because they've been deemed offensive.

According to Mann, there has been enough "positive historical impetus to believe that dialogue can overcome offensive and oppressive language." Discussing the use of words has brought political correctness in question, and changed prevalent use. However, recognition of negative connotations does not necessarily dissuade the use among certain groups, who feel entitled to use particular terms or statements.

Language recognized to be offensive or oppressive may or may not be paired with congruent attitudes or behaviors from users, and it may or may not offend specific listeners, while it will undoubtedly offend others. Words have been created to minimalize groups, just as they have been used to empower others; intention is powerful, but it does have its limitations. Throughout history groups have been able to re-appropriate and co-opt terms, words, slurs and images to disempower them and give them new understanding in their reality. But, many words continue to sting with familiar discrimination.

While one can't stop another's decision to use a word, the listener has a role (even if a small one) in the continued use of the word, by explaining discomforts and issues with the word, encouraging the speaker to consider their word choice. Media also plays a part in the continuance of disparaging and belittling words and terms.

To learn more about Melissa Mann, and her 15-year experience as a translator and interpreter, visit her website and check her out on Twitter.

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