having the dictionary indicate "offensive" words

[Jean Hewlett]

 At least one dictionary (it may be the same one) has been doing this for a
while. They include an annotation like [offen.] in the word's definition. This
was brought to my attention by an English as a Second Language student at the
community college where I used to work. He thought it was a very good idea, as
it had saved him from using the word in a paper without knowing that it could
be considered offensive.

This does seem a bit off topic for this list, except for its obvious extension
to online information.
Jean Hewlett
University of San Francisco, North Bay Regional Campus Library
Opinions are my own, and do not represent those of my employers.

Elisabeth Roche wrote:

> This is serious, IMHO. Apologies for reposting from another newsgroup this
> message. Please give this your complete attention.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Elisabeth Roche Roche Limits
> mailto:eroche at opus1.com
>
> Warning:  Apologies if this posts twice; mail is loopy today...
>
> Folks, I admit this is not a 100% Internet related issue...YET.
>
> Looks like one of the most famous dictionary publishers in the world is
> going to start specially flagging "offensive" words or terms...the
> management claims that they do not want to enter a political fray over
> this, but remember, many feel that even setting apart such words paves
> the way for having them removed.  This is EXACTLY what some
> pro-censorship parties are fighting for, believe it or not...
>
> http://www.cnn.com/books/news/9805/05/word.fight/index.html
>
> Truly disturbing...I mean if they are flagging a PRINT edition, it's not
> like a kid or easily offended person is going to be able to AVOID
> looking at the word!
>
> Just thought that this would be of intense interest to the online
> community, as we seem to be the latest canary in the coal mine of media
> censorship....
>
> Read banned books.  Even if that eventually means the dictionary.
>
> --Jen
> --
> "G-d is a shout in the street" -- James Joyce
>
> Disclaimer:  The contents of this letter, and the content of any sites
> referenced in this letter, does not in any way reflect the views,
> opinions or policies of my employer.