The Color of Words: An Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Ethnic Bias in the United States

Herbst, Philip H.

ISBN 10: 1877864420 / ISBN 13: 9781877864421

Published by UNKNO, 1997

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 1877864420-3-34853768

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Color of Words: An Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Ethnic Bias in the United States
• Publisher: UNKNO
• Publication Date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1877864420
• ISBN 13: 9781877864421
• Binding: hardcover
• Condition: Good
• Weight: 21 ounces

About this title

Synopsis

The 851 terms defined include slurs used to disparage nearly every ethnic group in U.S. society, ethnic euphemisms and code words, and vogue or disputed terms heard in ongoing multicultural debates. In addition to providing known etymology and usage, entries explore how meaning varies by social context or circumstance, and how it has changed over time. Many include brief quotations from recent writings. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Reviews

This combination multicultural encyclopedia and dictionary of terms associated with racial discrimination offers a contemporary look at ethnic usage. More than a simple slang dictionary, it incorporates common yet misunderstood terms ("Hispanic," "Native American"), ethnic slurs affecting a wide group of American minorities, and politically driven words and phrases ("ethnic cleansing," "politically correct"). Entries begin with one or more definitions followed by known etymology and usage; social background and implications are often included. A writer and editor trained as an anthropologist, Herbst has created a balanced, scholarly treatment of intercultural communication. Used in conjunction with works treating a single ethnic culture (e.g., Juba to Jive: A Dictionary of African-American Slang, LJ 1/94), this work will help define the language of cultural relations A useful reference for both academic and public libraries.?Kelli Perkins, Herrick P.L., Holland, Mich.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.