Linguistic Profiling

Paper Summary:

The paper defines linguistic profiling as the act of determining the characteristics of one's socioeconomic status and/or race based on the way one uses language. The paper examines Dr. John Baugh's study that shows how when a voice sounds African-American or Mexican-American, discriminatory action is likely to follow. The paper discusses how potential employers, mortgage service providers, real estate agents and many other service providing individuals and companies use stereotyping judgments based on linguistic profiling.

From the Paper:

"The term, "linguistic profiling," was invented by the Margaret Bush Wilson Professor and Director of African American Studies in Arts and Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. John Baugh. His study indicated that when a voice sounds African-American or Mexican-American, discriminatory action is likely to follow (Rice, 2006). Baugh conducted routine analysis of the interactions of various groups, individuals, and aspects of communication to determine much of the disadvantages and dangers of linguistic profiling. The abundance of dangers and disadvantages was anything but lacking. There proved to be downsides in every regard."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Paul McFedries and Logophilia Limited, Word Spy (June, 2002). Retrieved April 27, 2007, from the World Wide Web: http://www.wordspy.com/words/linguisticprofiling.asp
• Rice, P. (2006). Linguistic profiling: The sound of your voice may determine if you get that apartment or not, Washington Univ. in St. Louis, News and Information, 18, 29-30.
• Baugh Ph. D., J. (2007). Educational Address, retrieved April 27th, 2007, from the World Wide Web: http://artsci.wustl.edu/~anthro/blurb/b_baugh.html
• Purtell, J. (2005). The Race for the American Dream, (pp. 90-107) Wipf and Stock Publications; Eugene, OR.
• Erard, Michael (2002). Language Matters; Michael Erard on the latest form of racial profiling: Can you be discriminated against because of the way you speak?, archive, July/August 2002.

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