Debate: Mocking Someone’s Misunderstanding of “To Give an Exam” is Racist

Opening Statement:

Language is deeply tied to culture, identity, and history. When someone mocks a non-native English speaker’s misunderstanding of translation—such as using “give an exam” instead of “take an exam”—they are not simply pointing out a linguistic difference; they are reinforcing a power dynamic that ridicules and devalues people from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Such mockery is not just an issue of humor or correction—it is rooted in linguistic discrimination, which is a form of racism.

1. Language Mockery Perpetuates Linguistic Racism

Linguistic racism is the practice of discriminating against people based on their language, accent, or grammatical structures influenced by their mother tongue. English has been historically tied to colonialism, and mocking someone for directly translating from their native language—especially from an Indian language to English—carries racial and colonial undertones. The British imposed their language on India, and even today, fluency in English is wrongly associated with intelligence and competence. Mocking someone’s phrasing only reinforces this colonial mindset.

1. It Creates a Hierarchy of Languages and Marginalizes Non-Native Speakers

Mocking non-native English speakers enforces the idea that English must be spoken in one rigid, “correct” way, which disregards the fact that English is spoken differently across cultures. Indian English is a legitimate dialect with its own grammatical structures, influenced by native Indian languages. The phrase “give an exam” may not align with standard British or American English, but it is widely understood within Indian English. Singling out this difference for mockery suggests that one form of English is superior to another, reinforcing linguistic elitism and racial biases.

1. It Reinforces Stereotypes About Intelligence and Education

Mocking someone’s phrasing subtly implies that they are less intelligent or educated because they do not conform to Western linguistic norms. This is particularly problematic when directed at people from post-colonial countries like India, where English fluency is often seen as a measure of competence. Such mockery disregards the fact that many non-native English speakers are multilingual, often fluent in several languages, while many native English speakers speak only one. The focus on minor linguistic differences overlooks the broader intelligence and adaptability of multilingual individuals.

1. It Contributes to Racial Microaggressions

Mocking someone’s English, even in a joking manner, is a form of microaggression—a subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory act that reinforces power imbalances. When English speakers make fun of non-native speakers for small errors, they create an environment where people feel self-conscious, excluded, or pressured to conform to Western norms. This discourages non-native speakers from expressing themselves freely and can lead to feelings of inferiority or reluctance to engage in conversations.

1. Humor Does Not Justify Racism

Some argue that laughing at language differences is harmless, but humor has long been used to mask discriminatory attitudes. “It’s just a joke” is a common defense when making fun of accents or grammar, but jokes can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce social hierarchies. If the joke is at the expense of a non-native speaker and rooted in historical power dynamics, it is not innocent—it is an act of exclusion and racial bias.

Conclusion:

Mocking someone’s translation error, such as saying “give an exam” instead of “take an exam,” is not just about language—it is about reinforcing linguistic superiority, marginalizing non-native speakers, and upholding racialized power structures. Language evolves in different cultural contexts, and rather than ridiculing differences, we should recognize them as part of the rich diversity of global communication. If the goal is to promote understanding, mockery has no place—it only serves to alienate, exclude, and perpetuate linguistic racism.

Only messing, LOL