random1
23 Jan 2015
Language / IS "MURZYN" word RACIST? [686]
Let me explain where I'm coming from with my previous posts...
I read mainstream Polish newspapers on-line. I do see the "Murzyn" word within the newspaper articles. It just does not make sense to me that reporters would be allowed to use the "Murzyn" word if it was as offensive as the N-word (=Nig...). If a reporter used a N-word in Canada or the US, he would be fired. This is why it's very hard for me to agree with the statement when people say that the word "Murzyn" is the N-word. However, I don't hear much Polish conversation on the street since I'm not in Poland.
I do agree that this word CAN be worded in an offensive context. Maybe this word is being transformed into something more offensive ?! It's entirely possible since words can change in connotation over time...
I looked for the definition of "Murzyn" in Langenscheidt Polish-English Dictionary, 2003 edition:
Definition: Murzy|n m (-a, -i), ~nka f (-i; G -nek) African; (w USA) Afro-American, Black
I looked at Google Translate. I was shocked. Google translates "Murzyn" as the N-word (Nig...). If people rely on Google to translate, I can see why people get upset. How the hell did Google decide to use the most offensive definition for this word, when it's used in mainstream Polish media?! Google actually gives different terms to "Murzyn" when this used within a text.
Here are some examples of mainstream Polish media, where the word, "Murzyn" is used
Rzeczpospolita article about the movie "Django Unchained" (maybe Google the URL string; I had to remove www and http)
... rp.pl/artykul/1073661-Rewelacyjny-western--o-niewolnictwie.html
Look for words: Murzynów, Murzyna...
Here is an example from a News magazine, "Uważam Rze" (maybe Google the URL string; I had to remove www and http)
uwazamrze.pl/artykul/988264/polska-musi-bronic-wartosci/3
Interview with John Abraham Godson, member of the Polish Parliament (I understand he's from Nigeria)
First sentence on the page. Response of John Godson to reporter's question:
"Tak. Dotychczas ludzie mnie szufladkowali. Uważali, że skoro jestem Murzynem, to jestem lewacki..."
Google translation: "Yes. So far, the people I file it . They thought that since I am a black man , I'm leftist ."
Do you see now why this is so conflicting?
Let me explain where I'm coming from with my previous posts...
I read mainstream Polish newspapers on-line. I do see the "Murzyn" word within the newspaper articles. It just does not make sense to me that reporters would be allowed to use the "Murzyn" word if it was as offensive as the N-word (=Nig...). If a reporter used a N-word in Canada or the US, he would be fired. This is why it's very hard for me to agree with the statement when people say that the word "Murzyn" is the N-word. However, I don't hear much Polish conversation on the street since I'm not in Poland.
I do agree that this word CAN be worded in an offensive context. Maybe this word is being transformed into something more offensive ?! It's entirely possible since words can change in connotation over time...
I looked for the definition of "Murzyn" in Langenscheidt Polish-English Dictionary, 2003 edition:
Definition: Murzy|n m (-a, -i), ~nka f (-i; G -nek) African; (w USA) Afro-American, Black
I looked at Google Translate. I was shocked. Google translates "Murzyn" as the N-word (Nig...). If people rely on Google to translate, I can see why people get upset. How the hell did Google decide to use the most offensive definition for this word, when it's used in mainstream Polish media?! Google actually gives different terms to "Murzyn" when this used within a text.
Here are some examples of mainstream Polish media, where the word, "Murzyn" is used
Rzeczpospolita article about the movie "Django Unchained" (maybe Google the URL string; I had to remove www and http)
... rp.pl/artykul/1073661-Rewelacyjny-western--o-niewolnictwie.html
Look for words: Murzynów, Murzyna...
Here is an example from a News magazine, "Uważam Rze" (maybe Google the URL string; I had to remove www and http)
uwazamrze.pl/artykul/988264/polska-musi-bronic-wartosci/3
Interview with John Abraham Godson, member of the Polish Parliament (I understand he's from Nigeria)
First sentence on the page. Response of John Godson to reporter's question:
"Tak. Dotychczas ludzie mnie szufladkowali. Uważali, że skoro jestem Murzynem, to jestem lewacki..."
Google translation: "Yes. So far, the people I file it . They thought that since I am a black man , I'm leftist ."
Do you see now why this is so conflicting?