Linguistic Perspectives on HIV/AIDS Metaphors and Discourses in America

Abstract

There is no doubt that aspirations to change the way people talk or even think about a subject come with a set of challenges and questions related to feasibility of implementation. This paper is by no means designed to fully change the linguistic aspects of HIV/AIDS, as the communication of ideas through language is a complex and intersubjective matter. Nevertheless, this paper has very feasible outcomes of increasing awareness of broader cultural notions surrounding the creation and consequences of “otherness” through language. The language employed to discuss the HIV/AIDS epidemic routinely dehumanized individuals while hindering societal responses through patterns of stigma and silence. By analyzing the ways that HIV/AIDS was talked about within our society, we can begin to address ways in which problematic language can be altered respect human dignity and inspire continued efforts for advancing HIV/AIDS care and treatment.