The 'other' side of prejudice: Understanding the role of language in confronting and overcoming prjudices

Australia is often called the country of migrants. It has received people from some 200 countries, one quarter of the population was born overseas and since World War II, Australia has been the third highest recipient of refugees in the world. As this society grows more diverse through the interaction of people from different ethnic backgrounds, there is a need for understanding of prejudicial labelling and of discriminatory behaviour and language that breaches societal aspirations for equality. A critical examination is made of the way prejudices are embedded in language and how language is used prejudicially against anyone who can be seen as ‘Other’ due to their language or ethnic background. However, prejudice goes both ways. This paper also looks at the experiences of an ‘Other’ in confronting and resolving personal and enacted prejudices. Insight from these interactive processes, can lead to an increased awareness and understanding of ways of confronting and overcoming prejudices in behaviour and language.