American english Quote by H. L. Mencken
““There is reinforcement in such familiar back-formations as Chinee from Chinese, Portugee from Portuguese.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The American Language", 1919
Familiar word formations like “Chinee” and “Portugee” illustrate linguistic reinforcement.
In simple terms: Language forms reinforce stereotypes.
Critique linguistic shortcuts.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- media
- education
- writing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do language choices shape perception?
- What alternatives avoid reinforcing stereotypes?
Such terms can perpetuate prejudice and oversimplify cultures.