Ageist language and dignity : an analysis of Elderspeak in a Flemish
Author
Source
Dragoman : Journal of Translation Studies
Issue
Vol. 4, Issue 6 (30 Sep. 2016), pp.23-35, 13 p.
Publisher
Arabic Translators International
Publication Date
2016-09-30
Country of Publication
Belgium
No. of Pages
13
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
As a register using simplified language and stereotypes, elderspeak has negative effects on the sense of dignity and the wellbeing of older people.
The present study explores the linguistic aspects of the phenomenon in a Flemish nursing home.
The communication during the interactions of five professional caretakers and 26 residents of a nursing home was audiotaped and transcribed verbatim.
Subsequently, a linguistic analysis of this transcription was carried out in part with the help of a concordance program.
The caretakers’ speech was simplified noticeably.
Concerning the pronouns, the formal you-form (u) was frequently used, together with the patronizing we-form.
The residents were addressed by their first names, pet names were used to a lesser extent.
Finally, diminutives and interjections were used frequently.
Different linguistic aspects of elderspeak were thus found in the corpus.
The present study confirms earlier research findings.
The discourse of professional caretakers in a nursing home contains elderspeak.
Although further research is needed, these findings may serve as a basis for formulating a strategy to improve the communication with older people.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Home, Nursing. 2016. Ageist language and dignity : an analysis of Elderspeak in a Flemish. Dragoman : Journal of Translation Studies،Vol. 4, no. 6, pp.23-35.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1462387
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Home, Nursing. Ageist language and dignity : an analysis of Elderspeak in a Flemish. Dragoman : Journal of Translation Studies Vol. 4, no. 6 (Sep. 2016), pp.23-35.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1462387
American Medical Association (AMA)
Home, Nursing. Ageist language and dignity : an analysis of Elderspeak in a Flemish. Dragoman : Journal of Translation Studies. 2016. Vol. 4, no. 6, pp.23-35.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1462387
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references : p. 34-35
Record ID
BIM-1462387