Rinner wins prize for research on language and racism!

Rinner wins prize for research on language and racism!

In the context of increasing awareness of derogatory language and its effects, Dr. Stefan Rinner, research associate at the UDE Institute of Philosophy, presented important research results. He was recently awarded the main prize of the City of Salzburg's Cultural Fund worth 12,000 euros for his study of slurs, i.e. derogatory expressions. Rinner is particularly dedicated to the meaning and influence of such terms as the N-word and the Z-word.

Rinner's research aims to develop a new sociolinguistic theory that will allow the negative effects of slurs to be better understood and potentially prevented. He compares the effect of slurs to that of symbols such as a swastika, which signals anti-Semitic attitudes. These comparisons illustrate how deeply rooted racist attitudes are in society.

Language as a mirror of social problems

Rinner argues that the use of slurs can also unconsciously contribute to the devaluation of certain groups. He emphasizes that a ban on slurs should not restrict freedom of expression, as neutral expressions can still be used. This raises questions that are not only linguistic but also social in nature.

The debates about the Z-word, which took place on the WDR talk show “The Last Instance” in 2020, show how controversial the topic is today. During the discussion, the invited guests described the use of the Z-word and N-word as non-discriminatory, which was met with sharp criticism from the public. This debate makes it clear that everyday racism is widespread in Germany, even if it is often not recognized as such.

Effects of derogatory language

Derogatory language has far-reaching consequences for society. Racism is often viewed as a violent act, but in reality it is a system that discriminates against people based on their ethnicity, religion or skin color. Racist stereotypes and generalizations, such as the stereotype that “all Asians are good at math,” strip individuals of their uniqueness and reinforce an atmosphere of discrimination.

The influences of language on how people think and feel are Rinner's central research topic. He also leads the research project “The Therapeutic Game”, which deals with the philosophy of language in psychotherapy and is funded by the Fritz Thyssen Foundation. This project examines the successes of talk therapies using various conversation techniques, based on David Lewis' approach known as “scorekeeping”.

The importance of language is particularly critical in the discussion of racist expressions, as discriminatory language has historical roots and reproduces racist ideologies. Racial slurs like the Z-word are not only linguistic devices, but also carriers of real acts of violence and stereotypes that are closely linked to BIPoC identity formation. This language not only influences the perception of the environment, but also has demonstrable negative effects on the physical and psychological well-being of those affected.

In summary, it can be said that addressing derogatory language and the associated social issues such as racism is crucial. Rinner's work contributes to developing a better understanding of these complex relationships and raises awareness of the need for critical reflection on the language we use in everyday life.

Summary information and further theoretical foundations on the topics of swear words and derogatory language can be found in various studies, including the works of Sosa 2018 and McGowan 2019. These resources provide valuable insights into the mechanisms behind racist hate speech and its linguistic capture.