Breaking the Code: A Guide to Spotting and Avoiding Coded Language in Everyday Communication
I have observed that coded language is being used more and more in our everyday communication. Coded language refers to the use of words or phrases that have hidden meanings or connotations that are not immediately apparent to the listener or reader. It can be used to manipulate, deceive, or exclude people, and is often used by the media and politicians to shape public opinion. In this article, I will explore the different types of coded language and how to spot and avoid them.
Understanding the Different Types of Coded Language
Dog Whistles
Dog whistles are words or phrases that have a hidden meaning that is only understood by a particular group of people. They are often used to appeal to people's prejudices or beliefs without overtly stating them. For example, the phrase "law and order" is often used as a dog whistle to appeal to people's fears of crime and violence.
Euphemism
Euphemisms are words or phrases that are used to soften the impact of a harsh reality. They are often used in situations where the truth may be too difficult or uncomfortable to convey directly. For example, the phrase "passed away" is often used as a euphemism for "died".
Framing
Framing refers to the way in which information is presented to influence the way people think about a particular issue. It can be used to shape public opinion by highlighting certain aspects of a story while downplaying or ignoring others. For example, the media may frame a story about immigration in terms of national security rather than the human cost.
Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which the person doing the gaslighting makes the victim doubt their own perception of reality. It is often used to discredit or undermine people who are critical of a particular viewpoint or ideology.
Jargon
Jargon refers to technical language that is used within a particular industry or profession. It can be used to exclude people who are not familiar with the terminology and can be used to create a sense of superiority or expertise.
Loaded Language
Loaded language is language that is designed to elicit an emotional response from the listener or reader. It is often used to shape public opinion by appealing to people's fears, prejudices, or beliefs. For example, the phrase "tax relief" is often used as loaded language to appeal to people's desire for lower taxes.
Semiotics
Semiotics refers to the study of signs and symbols and how they are used to convey meaning. It can be used to manipulate people's perceptions by using symbols or images that are associated with particular ideas or emotions.
Slang
Slang is informal language that is often associated with a particular group or subculture. It can be used to exclude people who are not familiar with the terminology and can be used to create a sense of belonging or identity.
Spin
Spin refers to the way in which information is presented in order to shape public opinion. It can be used to create a positive or negative impression of a particular person, organization, or idea.
Stereotyping
Stereotyping refers to the practice of making assumptions about people based on their race, gender, age, or other characteristics. It can be used to exclude or discriminate against people who do not fit into a particular group or category.
Whataboutism
Whataboutism is a form of deflection in which the person doing the whataboutism deflects criticism by pointing out the flaws or mistakes of others. It is often used to avoid taking responsibility for one's own actions or to discredit others who are critical of a particular viewpoint or ideology.
The Impact of Coded Language on Communication
Coded language can have a significant impact on communication by shaping people's perceptions, excluding or discriminating against certain groups, and manipulating people's emotions. It can be used to create a sense of belonging or identity for some people, while excluding or marginalizing others. It can also be used to shape public opinion and influence political and social outcomes.
Examples of Coded Language in Everyday Communication
Examples of coded language can be found in a wide range of contexts, from political speeches to everyday conversations. Here are some examples:
"Illegal alien" - a term used to describe undocumented immigrants that dehumanizes and criminalizes them
"Urban" - a euphemism for black or non-white communities
"Fake news" - a term used to dismiss or discredit news that does not support a particular viewpoint or ideology
"Welfare queen" - a stereotype that portrays black women as lazy and welfare-dependent
"Family values" - a loaded term used to appeal to people's beliefs about traditional gender roles and sexual morality
How to Spot Coded Language
Spotting coded language requires careful attention to the words and phrases being used and an understanding of their hidden meanings and connotations. Here are some strategies for spotting coded language:
Pay attention to the context in which the words or phrases are being used
Look for patterns in the language being used
Be aware of your own biases and assumptions
Consider the source of the language being used and their motivations
The Dangers of Falling for Coded Language
Falling for coded language can have serious consequences, both for individuals and society as a whole. It can lead to the exclusion or marginalization of certain groups, the manipulation of public opinion, and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and prejudices. It can also contribute to a climate of fear and mistrust.
Strategies for Avoiding and Countering Coded Language
Avoiding and countering coded language requires a combination of awareness, critical thinking, and effective communication. Here are some strategies for avoiding and countering coded language:
Educate yourself about the different types of coded language
Be aware of your own biases and assumptions
Question the language being used and ask for clarification if necessary
Use language that is clear, direct, and inclusive
Speak out against coded language when you encounter it
The Role of Media in Perpetuating Coded Language
The media plays a significant role in perpetuating coded language by shaping public opinion and reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices. It is important to be aware of the ways in which the media uses coded language and to speak out against it when necessary.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, coded language is a pervasive and powerful tool that can be used to shape public opinion, exclude certain groups, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes and prejudices. By understanding the different types of coded language and how to spot and avoid them, we can become more effective communicators and advocates for social justice. It is up to all of us to speak out against coded language and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
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Coded Language occurs when people use words or phrases that have double meanings. While we talked about the way coded language was used to hurt and create suffering for people of color, my experience with this comes from homophobic origins. From my earliest memories, I have heard and been affected by these statements, questions, etc. My favorite from when I was younger was, “Did you grow up with a lot of sisters,” which was often accompanied with or followed up by, “Was your father not in your life?” This obviously stems from my “feminine” qualities that aren't stereotypically involved with straight men. Being asked these questions implied that having plenty of sisters and not having my dad in my life meant that these facts may have influenced my “gayness” or femininity. Another one of my favorites, which is still brought up in my current life, is “Oh wow! You’re gay, but you’re not like THAT gay.” Usually when people say this, they believe they're being kind or funny, I guess anyways. They mean to say that I’m not one of those annoying, “flamboyant” gays. You know, that express their sexuality freely and openly without fear of repercussions? *insert sarcastic eye-roll* This form of homophobia likely comes from people preferring gay people (specially gay men) to be silent or low-key in their sexual expressions/identities. What’s even worse is that this statement has been said by people I would’ve considered to be my best friends. Eventually and inevitably, my gayness comes up in conversation and they say “Well, that’s why I like you so much! Sometime, gay guys can be soooooo much to be around. They’re so LOUD about the fact that they’re gay! It’s like, we get it, you know?” And then, they want me to laugh or agree or something, but I just sit there like, “... mmhm ‘kay? Anyways, I gotta blast,” quickly retreating to the nearest exit.
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My Experience With Coded Language
`After reading the book, “You Can’t Touch My Hair” by Phoebe Robinson, I remember a chapter in the book in which she discusses the offensive pain coded language can cause somebody, and how people are unconsciously using this type of language when speaking with various people.
If you don’t already know, coded language is “language that, on the surface, seems to mean one thing to the average person but has a different, often pejorative, meaning to the person or group of people being talked about”.
There was a time when I experienced coded language. I was fourteen and taking my Thursday self-defense class, at the time, I was the only girl in a class filled with boys. There were times I felt like a baby bird being hunted by a hungry hawk- the eyes I caught from the boys in that class were “interesting” to say the least. I never allowed for their “daggers” to pierce my pride, and I trained hard like the rest of them. Well, I was practicing take down techniques with this boy, and after I executed the technique, the boy hopped to his feet and told me bluntly, “You’re pretty tough for a girl. Wow, I didn’t think girls could be all that strong!” I felt proud yet troubled by his words. Does he really think girls are these weak sitting ducks that can’t do anything but cook and clean? This was the first of many coded languages I experienced while taking this class. Here’s another two to get the blood boiling for all my ladies: “A girl taking a self-defense class? Shouldn’t you be practicing cheer or something?” “Oh, you don’t mind getting sweaty?”
I’ll admit, I’m not a saint either. I have unknowingly used coded language. My father works with autistic children, and when asked to describe my father’s field of work, I told my friends: “my fathers helps “special” kids to find their way in the world.” I know, how ignorant and immature of me. But, allow me to explain this ignorance from a situational standpoint. I was thirteen and still a little wet behind the ears when it came to cognitive, developmental, and psychologically disabled children, as informed by my father. Ever since then I have tried, and am still trying, to learn how to think before I speak and respect people and their feelings. I can only learn this by being critiqued and doing the research myself. I’ll get this down pack, we all will, believe it!
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Ask anyone: I do not take notes. In an academic setting, taking notes is a waste of time and a false acknowledgement that the person speaking is dispensing more valuable or different information than the text you have in front of you. They are not and institutional learning in which you are not holding an acetylene torch or scalpel or glacier refreezer during "class" is a legacy scam, say it again. In a professional setting, taking notes is equally inefficient and dishonest as it implies that I don't know exactly and everything whatever whoever it is talking is going to say before during and after they say it. I of course do, and it is disrespectful to them (and me) to play at charades and pretend to jot down their hopelessly nonfatal and overpriced rubber bullets. I do, however, make notes to myself all the time and I have realized/noticed over the years that they have a zero-day Half-Life: while making them they are treasure maps to some personal holy land. If I sleep or use the telephone or get up or set the pencil down—at all—the spell is broken (though spelling and grammar remain infallible) and they become the scribblings of a broken spirograph digging a rotten apple core into and through wet cardboard. So of course I save them. #notes #codedlanguage #metome (at Sacramento, California)
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