that p.c. and videotape are now as much a over the meaning of L.O.C., a term that in embarrassed at having to admit lack of
part of standard English as airplane or different parts of the country variously understanding and, third, it serves to ex-
steamboat. The point is, not how you cat- means “level of consciousness” or “laxa- plain the meaning of the idiomatic
egorize an expression, but whether or not tive of choice.” phrase.
it communicates what it is you want to 2. For one week, stay alert to the slang, You will notice that the emphasis in
say. Slang is dangerous. It can be readily jargon, and idioms you use. this piece is less on avoiding jargon, slang,
misunderstood, taken literally, or even be Now that you are aware of how much and idioms, and more on using this uncon-
offensive to someone who is unfamiliar unconventional English dominates our ventional English in ways that will edu-
with the spirit in which a term is used. speech, make an effort to be alert to the cate your non-native colleagues and pa-
Here are some tips for minimizing these terms you use and write them down as tients. English is fraught with peculiar
dangers. they come to mind. Look the list over from words and phrases, there is no escaping
1. Make a list of idioms, slang, or jar- time to time. This simple effort will in- them. Non-native speakers need to gradu-
gon that are commonly used in your facil- crease your awareness and allow you to ally learn the nuances of the language so
ity. communicate more effectively. that they can function successfully. The
Include on the list terms such as gur- 3. When you catch yourself using a bit trick lies in being aware that not everyone
ney or stretcher, phrases like “on the floor” of jargon, slang, or idiom, try to state your is familiar with the nuances of our lan-
or acronyms like A.M.A. or abbreviations message in a more conventional way as guage and that it is the native speaker’s
such as O.R and L.O.C. Make the list well. obligation to help others adjust and learn
available to every employee regardless of If, for example, you say to someone, “I with as little embarrassment and error as
their background -- a great deal of health am really up to my neck in paperwork” possible.
care jargon varies within the United States and you sense that the person did not un-
as well as overseas. We all find it embar- derstand but is reluctant to ask for clarifi-
Sondra Thiederman is a speaker and author on
rassing to have to ask the meaning of a cation, simply follow-up the statement by
diversity, bias-reduction, and cross-cultural issues. She is
term or acronym, particularly if we feel saying something like, “It seems I have a the author of Making Diversity Work: Seven Steps for
that it is something we ought to know. The lot more work than I used to.” This tech-
Defeating Bias in the Workplace (Chicago: Dearborn Press,
list minimizes the risk of embarrassment. nique serves a triple function. First, it al-
2003) which is available at her web site or at www.
Amazon.com She can be contacted at:
It would be most unpleasant, for example, lows you to get your message across. Sec-
Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D.
for a hospital worker to become confused ond, it keeps the listener from being www.Thiederman.com / STPhD@Thiederman.com
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The Black E.O.E. Journal www.blackeoejournal.com 25
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