UDC

811.111-26

Authors

Marina V. Konysheva
Moscow City Teacher Training University; 2-y Sel’skokhozyaystvennyy prosp. 4, Moscow, 129226, Russian Federation; e-mail: mkonysheva@mail.ru

Abstract

The article considers linguistic and pragmatic factors that have defined the multi-vector axiological dynamics of the sociolinguistic phenomenon of political correctness in connection with some historical and political events. Political correctness as a linguocultural phenomenon, represented in language and speech, goes far beyond linguistics. Both the changing axiological connotation of the phrase political correctness, which manifested itself in different periods of the 20th century, and its indistinct reference base inspired the topicality of this research. The author proves that recurrent semantic shifts in the collocation political correctness as well as its ambivalent character in the English-speaking community are caused by a number of historical and political events. Using etymological data, the author provides a line of evidence that the politically correct euphemization of English-speaking communication is a dynamic process of replacing deep-rooted politically correct euphemisms by new coinages, as the former inevitably grow unacceptable. The reason for their semantic instability lies outside of the language sphere. As long as sensitive phenomena causing a negative response exist in society, there is a need for political euphemization of speech communication. However, the vaguely determined range of application of political correctness as a tool of euphemization in certain cases results in attempts to remove some words with neutral and positive connotations from the sphere of public use under the pretext that they may appear politically incorrect. In conclusion, the author emphasizes possible dangers of extended use of political correctness as an instrument of producing influence on social consciousness.

Keywords

political correctness, politically correct censorship, multi-vector evaluation dynamics, patriotic political euphemisms, politically correct euphemization of the English-speaking world

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