Language on the spectrum : Comparing Finnish and English autism terminology in Kirjolla and Love on the Spectrum Australia

Abstract

This study examines the differences in autism-related terminology use between Finnish and English by comparing terminology instances in two reality television programs, Kirjolla and Love on the Spectrum Australia. This study employs a framework of person-first and identity-first language, which has been the primary framework applied in previous autism terminology research. Terms that mention person first have been perceived as highlighting the humanity of an autistic individual (e.g. ‘person with autism’) and identity-first terms have been thought to highlight autism as a core part of an individual (e.g. ‘autistic person’).

Terminology instances from six Kirjolla episodes and three Love on the Spectrum Australia episodes were identified and analyzed. The instances were categorized as person-first language or identity-first language and analyzed across speaker groups, which comprehended autistic individuals, family members and professionals/other speakers. The results showed that speakers in Kirjolla primarily used identity-first terms, while most instances identified from Love on the Spectrum Australia were person-first language. The results were largely consistent with previous research from Finland and Australia among other English-speaking countries and indicate that cultural and linguistic context have a significant effect on terminology usage. In addition, some Finnish-specific linguistic cases identified in Kirjolla challenge whether the current framework for researching autism terminology is adequate in other languages than English.

This study further emphasizes that it is important to pay attention to language use when referring to people on the autism spectrum. Appropriate and respectful language is key for reducing stigma and discrimination of autistic individuals. This study aims to add a cross-linguistic perspective on the growing academic discussion involving autism terminology by making a comparison between Finnish and English.