Er det stygt å seie neger? Om konnotasjonar, bruksmarkering og nemne for folkegrupper

Abstract

In this article, the author discusses the lexicographical challenges inherent in dealing
with what is generally termed sensitive vocabulary, such as words for minority
groups amongst language users. The starting point is recent evidence of changing
attitudes in Norway to some such words, in particular the word neger (negro). The
lexicographical treatment of this word and its near-synonyms is compared to
developments in the treatment of words for older ethnic minorities in the region
(same, finn, lapp; sigøynar, tater, rom(ani); jøde). The author argues that a good
monolingual dictionary gives as accurate a reflection as possible of the vocabulary of
the language it purports to describe, in a way which is immediately recognisable and
acceptable to the users of that language. This lexicographic mirror image must
comprise both denotative and connotative usage. Changes in attitude to vocabulary
amongst dictionary users therefore require competent handling by dictionary editors.
Some methods are suggested and commented on for dealing with the type of
vocabulary discussed here.