Can a descriptive word not apply due to a persons religion and education?
Dear Dora, A friend holding a PhD is attempting to convince me that, because of her stance on religion and because of her education, the term “tautology” cannot be applied in any way to describe her discussion or debating style. She also states that she checked with a Professor of Linguistics in Montana and that this professor has supported her claim. Is it possible that, due to education and religion, a descriptive word in the English language may never apply to you? Hello! Here is a response from a person whose judgment I trust. I have a feeling that you cannot quite argue the point because it can go both ways. Therefore, both you and your friend are right. “Certainly, words are socially situated in both their denotative and connotative application and therefore may or may not apply based on social categories. For example, I know African Americans who would maintain that the term “racist” could never be applied to them because it can only apply to those who are in socially dominant p
