A novel lexicon for the novel coronavirus

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Moreechika
Moreechika
Bangladesh
English to Bengali
+ ...
social distancing vs physical distancing Apr 2, 2020

I agree. The key idea in "social distancing" IS "physical distancing" in the context of Covid-19. At least that's my understanding. Then why not call a spade a spade using the literal phrase and not add any potential for confusion? In my country (Bangladesh), the authorities and the media have adopted the direct Bengali language translation of "social distancing". My feeling is, the underlying main message of the phrase is not yet hitting home with full clarity and effectiveness, and I suspect i... See more
I agree. The key idea in "social distancing" IS "physical distancing" in the context of Covid-19. At least that's my understanding. Then why not call a spade a spade using the literal phrase and not add any potential for confusion? In my country (Bangladesh), the authorities and the media have adopted the direct Bengali language translation of "social distancing". My feeling is, the underlying main message of the phrase is not yet hitting home with full clarity and effectiveness, and I suspect it leaves some degree of confusion in people's minds. We have a lockdown/shutdown here currently but with the provision for going to stores for emergency supplies. I can see in some areas people crowding or jostling in front of small stores (they are trying to hurry) without realizing that it is better to keep distance physically and be a little slow / late than jostle and go back home hurriedly. It looks like (it's only my guess) for these people "social distancing" means staying at home but perhaps not so much keeping a safe "physical" distance. If I am right then we should get rid of the phrase "Social Distancing" because it is or can be misleading and use the literal "Physical Distancing" instead.Collapse


Tatiana Moreira
 
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida  Identity Verified
Portugal
Local time: 08:16
Member (2007)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
@Arif Apr 2, 2020

That's exactly what the WHO has been saying lately.

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/transcripts/who-audio-emergencies-coronavirus-press-conference-full-20mar2020.pdf?sfvrsn=1eafbff_0


Tatiana Moreira
 


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A novel lexicon for the novel coronavirus







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