Brush With English Words

As recd..
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One's brush with English words.
I am always eager to develop English language vocabulary. It was do with my father to start with then the professors in the college who had real passion for English litrature.
When my sister was expecting a child i used to say she is "pregnant". Then my father corrected me to use the word "in a family way". That stays with me till today although it is outdated. We see people using the word "conceived" which implies moment of conception and better avoided."Expectant mother is more formal".
I was residing in a Senior Citizen Home called Tapovan during corona lock out days. I was involved in a lot of social/cultural activities and one being launching of a podcast station "Tapovani" by media veteran Dr Sridhar Ramamurthy . He pioneered in broadcasting and preserving the voices of senior citizens, sharing their autobiographies, experiences, and creative works through the community radio podcast,a great service.
At that time i used the word "inmate" for the citizens residing there in one of my mail. Pat came a response from one of the committee members to avoid the word as it connote a wrong meaning. But i see the inmate word is freely used even in daily like the Hindu and many senior citizens Home.
The term "inmate" can be perceived as offensive or insensitive when referring to individuals living in old age homes or long-term care facilities. Here's why:
1. Connotation: "Inmate" is often associated with prisons or correctional facilities, implying a loss of freedom and autonomy.
2. Stigma: Using this term may perpetuate negative stereotypes about aging and long-term care.
Preferred alternatives:
1. Residents: Emphasizes their status as individuals living in the facility.
2. Seniors: A respectful term focusing on their age and life experience.
3. Elders: Conveys dignity and reverence for their wisdom and years.
4. Care home residents: Clarifies their living arrangement.
5. Older adults: A neutral, descriptive term.
The fact it is more of unlearning process however exposure you had!
JAYASALA 42