Talk examines how online hate is getting creative
Cambridge Festival event examines offensive language in the digital word
An examination of how the language used on social media to stir up hate and division is getting more complex and creative will take place at this year’s Cambridge Festival, following publication of a new book.
The free talk, given by Dr Vahid Parvaresh of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Dr Tahmineh Tayebi of Aston University, will draw on research into the everyday insults that people often come across online through different levels of language analysis. This analysis aims to better understand how offence works in digital spaces.
The talk follows the publication of a new book by the presenters entitled Words That Wound: Exploring Online Offensive Language.
The book delves into high profile legal cases and examines themes including what the law permits and what it prosecutes, how the severity of offensive speech is a spectrum rather than a fixed position, and free expression versus legal liability.
Dr Parvaresh, Deputy Head of School for Humanities and Social Sciences at ARU, said:
“Social media has transformed how people debate ideas online. In this context, language escalates, and therefore real questions emerge about what we can or cannot say.
“This talk examines the blurry boundary between offensive expression, potentially unlawful speech, and the right to free expression. We draw on some high-profile legal cases and authentic real-world examples of language flagged as offensive.
“Our research shows that offence is highly subjective. Even comments that may appear innocent can cause offence depending on the context. A further layer of complexity arises from the fact that offence can be caused without using conventionally explicit words that might be flagged as blatantly offensive.
“We will explore the complexity of offensive language and how it is used creatively online to cause the maximum level of offence while remaining on the right side of the law.”
The talk is suitable for people aged 16 and above, and takes place at ARU’s Cambridge campus on Saturday 21 March from 6pm-7pm. Places are free, but must be booked via Eventbrite.