Learn the language of HIV/AIDS

Introduction Good communication on HIV/AIDS requires everyone to understand the facts about HIV/AIDS. It is also crucial to ensure that the language use in relating HIV/AIDS stories is accurate. This is to get across to the audiences in ways they can understand. Stigma, prejudices, fear, and misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS are only too abundant. The language we use to conceptualize and talk about HIV/AIDS reflects our personal biases and particular understanding or lack of understanding. At the same time, this language also helps shape our own and others’ attitudes about HIV/AIDS. One cannot overemphasize therefore the ethical importance in using appropriate language on HIV/AIDS discourses. Appropriate language is constructive, does not fuel stereotypes, and does not cause prejudice. There are three main points to consider about language: (a) HIV/AIDS terminology fluency It is essential to use language appropriate to one’s audience. The use of language is not just the question of whether to use a local dialect, but how to phrase concepts, and what type of vocabulary to use. To find the appropriate language, we need to build our understanding of the audience and to become ‘fluent’ in HIV/AIDS terminology. (b) Neutral and non-sensitive Language has strong influence on attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and people affected by HIV/AIDS. It can be damaging or it can be non-judgmental, positive, and constructive. Good communication of HIV/AIDS uses neutral, gender-sensitive language. (c) Translate terminology HIV/AIDS involves highly technical terminology. It is imperative to ‘translate’ this terminology into ideas and terms that their audiences can readily understand. It is also crucial to ensure that the language used is accurate. Language to avoid and recommended AIDS scourge/plague: These imply that HIV/AIDS cannot be controlled. These are sensationalist terms which can fuel panic, discrimination, and hopelessness. Instead say HIV epidemic/pandemic. AIDS Test: This does not exist. AIDS is diagnosed according to specific medical criteria that identify the symptoms of AIDS. Instead HIV Test is conducted to determine whether a person has HIV or not. These tests look for antibodies to HIV present in a person’s blood. To catch AIDS: AIDS cannot be caught or transmitted. People can become infected with HIV or to become infected with HIV. Transmission of HIV is also correct, but it puts the emphasis on whom and how the virus is transmitted. Very often, individuals with HIV do not know when they became infected with HIV so specialists in the HIV/AIDS field suggest not dwelling on this rather say to contract HIV or to become HIV-positive. AIDS sufferer: Many people with HIV/AIDS can have relatively good health for years. They can lead happy lives so refer to them as HIV-positive persons. AIDS victim: Victim suggests that the person is powerless. It is best to call then person living with HIV or person living with HIV/AIDS, or person living with AIDS. Innocent victim: Nobody chooses to have HIV. ‘Victim’ and ‘innocent’ suggest that there is someone who is guilty. Speak of them as person with HIV or person with HIV/AIDS, or person with AIDS. Safe sex: No sex with a partner is ever completely risk-free, even when using a condom which can greatly reduce but never fully eliminate the risk. Instead emphasize safer sex. Promiscuous: This is accusatory and derogatory rather say having multiple partners. Prostitute: This is a derogatory, insulting, value-laden word instead say sex worker, or commercial sex worker. Drug abuser/addict: Many people who use drugs consider that they are in control of their use of drugs and that they are not abusing them and are not addicted to them. Calling them abusers or addicts alienates them which serves no good purpose. It is the act of injecting with a contaminated needle, not the use itself that can transmit HIV. It is preferable to call them intravenous drug user. Homosexual: It is not appropriate in the African context. This is a Western idea of one’s identity. In different regions of the world, men who have sex with men do not necessarily have a gay or homosexual identity. They are men who have sex with men. To die of AIDS: AIDS is not a disease. It is a syndrome or a group of illnesses resulting from a weakening of the immune system. This weakening is caused by HIV and opens the body to ‘opportunistic’ diseases. That is illnesses that take advantage of weak immunity. It is preferable to speak of to die of a specific illness such as tuberculosis or cancer or to die of an AIDS-related illness. credit: African Women Media Centre