Why Did the Associated Press and N.Y. Times Change Their Spelling of Anti-Semitism to Antisemitism?
The term Semitic has lost all currency outside linguistics in which both Arabic and Hebrew are regarded as Semitic languages. However, the term anti-Semitism has seen some controversy and change in its spelling over time. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the change from anti-Semitism to antisemitism as adopted by prominent media organizations such as the Associated Press (AP) and the New York Times (N.Y. Times).
Why Is There a Change in Spelling?
The shift in spelling from anti-Semitism to antisemitism is not arbitrary. It stems from a keen linguistic analysis and a desire for simplicity and consistency. Both terms refer to the same concept: prejudice or discrimination against Jews. However, the current spelling change represents a move towards a more straightforward and cost-effective way of handling the term in media publications.
A Cost Cutting Move?
One of the most cited reasons for the change is the cost associated with the term. As anti-Semitism is a term used frequently in reporting, the extra cost of the additional hyphen and the resulting ink needed to print it has become significant. This cost consideration is particularly relevant for the New York Times, which has seen its print edition circulation decline in recent years. By adopting antisemitism, the cost of printing the term is reduced, making it a more economical choice.
Consistency for Simplification
Another key reason for the change lies in consistency and simplification. The Associated Press (AP) made the switch to make it easier for the New York Times (N.Y. Times) to cut and paste items. This change aligns with the AP's standards and makes the process of syndicating content more seamless. Consistency in spelling across different publications is crucial for maintaining a unified journalistic voice and ensuring that readers can easily distinguish between different terms and concepts.
Technical and Linguistic Justification
A strong technical and linguistic justification for the change also exists. The term antisemitism is now more commonly used and accepted in modern linguistics. Importantly, there is no word "Semitism" in the English lexicon. Therefore, antisemitism is its own word and does not require a hyphen. This fact makes the term antisemitism more consistent and easier to use in journalistic writing.
The Term in Context
The term anti-Semitism has a complex history. It originally appeared in the late 1800s as a compound word to replace the term "Jew hater," which was becoming increasingly embarrassing. Whether one argues against Israeli policies or Palestinian property, both sides can be argued to be Semitic. Therefore, the term's technical and linguistic issues remain pertinent. This complexity and the need for clear and consistent terminology make the change to antisemitism even more compelling.
Conclusion
The change from anti-Semitism to antisemitism represents a thoughtful and practical step by the Associated Press and the New York Times. It balances linguistic rigor, cost considerations, and journalistic consistency. As the terms continue to evolve, it's important for media organizations to stay attuned to these changes and adapt accordingly to maintain clarity and accuracy in their reporting.