Some of our most common expressions have damaging effects on millions of people and many of us don't know we're hurting others when we speak.
This kind of ableist language is omnipresent in conversation: Making a “dumb”,turning "blind eye" to a problem, calling a boss “psychopathic(精神病)”。And, for the most part, people who utter these phrases aren't intending to hurt anyone-more commonly, they don't have any idea they're engaging in anything hurtful at all.However,for disabled people,these common words can be micro-assaults, they can do real,lasting harm to the people whom these words and phrases undermine(危害) and even the people who use them in daily conversation,too.
This phenomenon, known as “ableism” discrimination based on disability, can take on various forms.Personal ableism might look like name-calling,or committing violence against disabled person, while systemic ableism refers to the inequity disabled people experience as a result of laws and policy.
But ableism can also be indirect.As much as we all like to think we're careful with the words we choose,ableist language is a part of our lexicon(词典)。
If ableist language is so harmful why is it so common? Ableist language functions like any other slang term:People repeat it because they've heard others say it.However,according to University of Louisville linguistics professor D.W.Maurer,while anyone can create slang term,the expression will only "gain currency according to the complete agreement of attitude within the group".
So,how to avoid it? Examining your own go-to phrases and attempting to replace them with less problematic synonyms is a good start."Think about what you mean.Don't just repeat a phrase because you've heard it,think about what you're trying to convey,"says Maurer.Often avoiding ableist language just means choosing more straightforward and literal language-rather than “fall on deaf ears", one might say“ignoring" or “choosing not to engage".
12. What does the underlined word "omnipresent"in Paragraph 2 probably mean?
A.Unintentional. |
B.Offensive. |
C.Widespread. |
D.Unacceptable. |
13. Why is the harmful ableist language so widespread?
A.Because it is a part of our lexicon. |
B.Because people don't realize it's hurting others. |
C.Because everyone can create slang terms. |
D.Because it's often repeated and people consider it to be true. |
14. What can be inferred from the passage?
A.If you call your boss psychopathic,it's some kind of ableism. |
B.To be roundabout is not a good way to avoid ableism. |
C.Ableism are indirect,unintentional and sometimes just a little offensive. |
D."Falling on deaf ears" is an example of people consciously associating deafness with willful ignorance. |
15. What's the purpose of writing the passage?
A.To introduce ableist language. |
B.To argue if ableist language is harmful. |
C.To call on people to avoid using ableist language. |
D.To explain why ableist language is so common. |