A-Z of Humanism: A Plea for the Humanizing Use of Languages

Francisco Gomes de Matos, Brazil

Francisco Gomes de Matos is an applied peace linguist from Brazil. He is currently President of the Board, Brazil America Association (www.abaweb.org), in Recife.
E-mail: fcgm@hotlink.com.br

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Background
Introduction
The Plea
Reference

Background

“Thought I´d share this. Ever thought of compiling a brief dictionary of Humanizing English? By this I mean using words that could help HUMANIZE us and the persons we interact with ? See my list below. Maybe readers of HLT would like to comment on it ,add to it, contribute to a still unexplored dimension of language education ? I hope that this Plea will be translated into as many languages as possible ,with appropriate linguocultural adaptations.” Francisco

Introduction

Introductions to Linguistics ,in stating the chief traits of Language(its nature and uses), usually point out its arbitrariness(conventionality)universality, systematicity, variation , change, creativity, as well as its human and cognitive nature. In my survey of Principles of linguistics (Gomes de Matos,1994), I advocated the addition of the humanizing nature of language, for the uses of that multifaceted, mental marvel for meaning-making can contribute to our playing our role of humanizers, persons imbued with the principles of human rights/responsibilities, justice, dignity and peace and who apply such rules of conduct in our daily interaction. That languages can be used for humanizing and dehumanizing is a truism, but a sustained, systematic focus on the former is still conspicuously missing in many of the world’s school curricula, hence this plea for all those concerned with/engaged in educating Humankind for Peace to consider, increase and implement the Checklist below, as creatively as possible.

The Plea

We can HUMANIZE our uses of (name of language/s) when we interact

1. agreeably, altruistically, amicably, appreciatively, assertively
2. beneficently, benevolently, benignly, big-heartedly
3. caringly, charitably, civic-mindedly, collaboratively, compassionately, conciliatorily, considerately, cordially, constructively, cooperatively
4. democratically, dignifyingly, dutifuly
5. empathically, empoweringly, encouragingly, equitably, ethically
6. fairly, friendly
7. good-heartedly, good-naturedly
8. helpfully, humanely, humanitarianly, humanizingly, humbly
9. instructively,
10. interdependently
11. lovingly, loyally
12. magnanimously, mercifully
13. neighbourly, non-judgmentally, non-violently. non-discriminatorily, non- ethnocentrically, non-xenophobically
14. obligingly, open-mindedly, optimistically
15. patiently, peacefully, philanthropically, positively, protectively
16. quietly
17. relevantly, reliably, respectfully, responsibly
18. selflessly, sensitively, supportively, sympathetically, solidarily
19. tenderly, thoughtfully, trustworthily,
20. understandingly, unselfishly
21. virtuously
22. well-intentionedly, well-meaningfully
23. zealously

Reference

Gomes de Matos, F. (1994): A thesis 20 years on: Principles of Linguistics and The Theory-Praxis of the Rights of Language Learners, in Leila Barbara and Mike Scott(eds) Reflections on Language Learning. In honour of Antonieta Celani. Clevedon, Philadelphia,and Adelaide: Multilingual Matters, 1994, p.106

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