Changing Meanings of Words and the Need for Respectful Language

Language is powerful. Words can unite people, but they can also divide communities when their meanings change over time. Across the world, many once acceptable words are now seen as offensive because society has changed. What was normal during tumbuna time may no longer be suitable in today’s modern world.

In one of my earlier discussions, I talked about the idea of changing the name “Manus” because it may not fully represent the many cultural and ethnic groups across the province. During that discussion, I also mentioned the term “Wisiai” or “Usiai.” Traditionally, the word referred to the inland people of Manus. In the past, this was simply a way of identifying where people came from. There was no major problem with the term during those times.

However, language changes as society changes.

Today, the term is sometimes used negatively. For example, when a person from inland Manus does something another person does not like, someone from the coast may say, “O Wisiai.” Although some may still see it as harmless, others may interpret it differently. The word can now carry meanings such as “stupid” or “longlong.” A term that once described identity and geography is now sometimes used to insult or belittle people.

This situation is not unique to Manus.

In West New Britain, inland people are often referred to as “Kaulong.” Originally, it referred to a particular ethnic group and language community. But over time, the word “kaulong” began to be used jokingly or negatively to describe someone acting foolishly or doing something wrong. Many Papua New Guineans remember newspaper cartoons and comedy stories about Kanage, where such words were linked to stupidity. Whether intended or not, repeated use of these terms slowly changes how people understand them.

Another important example happened in Papua New Guinea politics. In 2022, Justin Tkatchenko publicly apologized after using the word “primitive” or, in Tok Pisin, “kanaka” while criticizing Papua New Guineans on social media. Many people were deeply offended by the remarks. Years ago, such terms may have been tolerated during colonial times, but modern society sees them differently. People today are more aware of respect, equality, and human dignity.

History also teaches us the dangers of harmful language.

During the 1994 Rwandan genocide in Rwanda, extremist groups referred to the Tutsi people as “cockroaches.” This kind of language encouraged hatred and violence. Words were used to dehumanize other people. In the end, hundreds of thousands of innocent lives were lost. This tragic event reminds the world that language is never harmless when it is used to attack human identity.

The United States also experienced similar changes in language. During and after slavery, the term “Negro” was commonly used to describe black Africans and African Americans. At one time, the word was considered normal and even appeared in official documents and organizations. But over time, it became associated with racism, discrimination, and ideas that black people were inferior. Today, many people consider the term offensive and racist because of how it was used throughout history.

These examples show an important truth: words can change meaning over time.

Terms such as Wisiai, Kaulong, Negro, or even “cockroach” may not have started as insults. Some were once simple descriptions of people, places, or ethnic groups. But society changes, and words can slowly take on harmful meanings through repeated negative use.

This is why communities must think carefully about the language they continue to use. Respecting culture and history is important, but protecting the dignity of future generations is also important. We should not hold onto harmful expressions simply because they were acceptable in the past.

Papua New Guinea is a diverse country with hundreds of languages and cultures. Unity cannot grow if people continue using words that create shame, division, or intimidation. Small changes in the way we speak can help build stronger relationships between communities.

The current government speaks about a “Hard Reset” for the nation. While leaders focus on major reforms, ordinary citizens can also contribute by changing everyday attitudes and language. Respect begins with simple words.

Some of us may not live long enough to witness the future consequences of harmful language. But if intimidation, harassment, and division continue because society ignored these warning signs, then we cannot say nobody spoke about it.

The time has come to reflect carefully on the words we use, the meanings they carry today, and the kind of future we want our children to inherit.