Understanding the Nuances of Political Correctness
Political correctness (PC) in English-speaking societies, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, has evolved into a complex linguistic and cultural phenomenon. It seeks to promote inclusive language, avoid offense, and reflect social progress. However, translating these sensitivities into French presents significant challenges due to differences in cultural perspectives, linguistic structures, and societal attitudes toward free speech and formality.
Different Cultural Approaches to Sensitivity
The Anglo-Saxon vs. French Perspective
The Anglo-Saxon approach to political correctness emphasizes inclusivity and social awareness. It often involves adapting language to reflect evolving attitudes on gender, race, disability, and other social issues. In contrast, the French linguistic tradition places a strong emphasis on universalism, rooted in the ideals of the French Republic, where citizens are treated equally regardless of their background. This distinction can make direct translations of politically correct terms feel awkward or even unnecessary in a French context.
Freedom of Speech vs. Linguistic Adaptation
French society values freedom of expression and often resists what may be perceived as linguistic restrictions. While political correctness in English can lead to new, more inclusive terminology, such adaptations in French are sometimes met with skepticism. French speakers may view these linguistic changes as excessive anglicisms or as constraints on their ability to communicate freely.
Translating Gender-Inclusive Language
The Gender Challenge in French Grammar
One of the most prominent areas where political correctness influences language is gender neutrality. English has adopted terms such as “they” as a singular pronoun to accommodate non-binary identities. However, French remains a grammatically gendered language, making similar adaptations difficult.
Efforts have been made to introduce inclusive language, such as the use of écriture inclusive, which employs forms like “les candidat·e·s” (candidates) to include both masculine and feminine endings. Despite these efforts, the French Academy (Académie française) has resisted such changes, arguing that they complicate readability and undermine the structure of the language.
Case Study: “Latinx” vs. “Latino/Latina”
A concrete example of this challenge is the translation of “Latinx,” a gender-neutral term used in English to replace “Latino” and “Latina.” In French, there is no clear equivalent since Spanish-influenced gender-neutral adaptations do not naturally fit into French linguistic structures. Translators must decide whether to:
- Use “Latino/Latina,” which maintains gender distinction but lacks inclusivity
- Adopt a new term such as “Latinx,” which may feel foreign to a French audience
- Use “d’origine latino-américaine,” which removes gender but lengthens the phrase
Each option comes with its own set of trade-offs, highlighting the difficulty in maintaining political correctness while ensuring linguistic coherence.
Racial and Ethnic Terminology: A Delicate Balance
Different Histories, Different Sensitivities
Racial and ethnic terminology in English has undergone significant evolution due to historical and social developments. Terms such as “African American” reflect a preference for identity-focused language, while outdated or offensive terms have largely been phased out.
In French, racial terminology does not always carry the same historical weight, leading to discrepancies in translation. For example, the term “person of color” (POC) is widely used in English to promote inclusivity, but its direct translation, “personne de couleur,” is considered outdated and even offensive in French due to its colonial connotations. Instead, French speakers may use “personne racisée,” a term that aligns with sociological discourse but may not always have a direct English equivalent.
The Challenge of Avoiding Anglicisms
Due to the global influence of English, certain politically correct terms have entered French discourse as direct borrowings. However, these terms may not always be well understood or widely accepted. Translators must carefully assess whether to:
- Use a direct English borrowing (e.g., “woke”), which risks alienating readers unfamiliar with the concept
- Create a new French equivalent, which may not resonate immediately with audiences
- Explain the concept in context, adding length to the translation
Disability and Accessibility Terminology
Shifts in English Terminology
In English, terms referring to disabilities have shifted significantly over time, favoring “person-first language” (e.g., “person with a disability” instead of “disabled person”) to emphasize the individual rather than the condition.
French, however, does not always mirror this shift. The commonly used “personne handicapée” (handicapped person) has not been universally replaced by a “person-first” alternative like “personne en situation de handicap.” While some organizations promote the latter for greater inclusivity, it has not fully displaced the former in everyday use.
The Risk of Overtranslation
In some cases, political correctness in English requires rewording that would seem unnecessary in French. A phrase like “differently abled” may translate awkwardly, as French speakers generally use “handicap” without similar euphemistic alternatives. Translators must strike a balance between accuracy and natural expression to ensure clarity and accessibility.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Approach
Translating political correctness from English to French is not a straightforward task. It requires a deep understanding of both linguistic structures and cultural perspectives. Key considerations include:
- Recognizing the different historical and cultural contexts of political correctness
- Adapting gender-inclusive language within French grammatical constraints
- Carefully choosing racial and ethnic terminology to reflect contemporary usage
- Avoiding unnecessary Anglicisms while ensuring accessibility
Ultimately, the best approach is to remain flexible, ensuring that translations respect both the intent of the original text and the expectations of a French-speaking audience. Navigating these complexities is a crucial skill for any professional translator working across English and French, allowing for clear and culturally sensitive communication.
