The Meaning of Words Gloria Naylor

Discussion Questions Naylor opens this essay with the assertion "Language is the subject." From your reading, what would you say is Naylor's main point about this subject?

Discussion Questions "Words themselves are innocuous; it is the consensus that gives them true power." What, in your judgment, is the meaning of this statement? Do you agree or disagree with it? Drawing from personal experience, give an example to support your position.

Discussion Questions Naylor makes the point that, when used among the family and people she grew up with, the word nigger had an entirely different set of meanings than when used by whites or other ethnic groups. Why wasn't she confused by the meanings put forward by her family and friends when using this word?

Discussion Questions Why is it that Naylor, like so many African Americans, has no problem with black people using the term nigger but will get extremely upset and angry when the term is used by non-blacks? Do African Americans or any other ethnic group, for that matter, have an exclusive right to use a perjorative (expressing content or disapproval) word like nigger while other groups do not? If so, explain why.

Discussion Qusetions When was the first time that the word nigger was used in your presence when you understood that it was a negative, stereotypical way of referring to black people? How would you explain to your own child what that term means.

Vocabulary Write down the following words definitions and use each one within a sentence (words in context): transcendent nonsensical consensus innocuous inevitable bustling clamor disembodied unkempt communal