ABSTRACT
As young children begin to work out who they are – their self-identity – they also try to work out who they are similar to and different from in some ways. The reactions of others to them or to their group impact on self-image and hence on self-identity. Children who encounter few images or predominantly negative images of themselves and their group will suffer damage to their self-esteem and the whole process of identity construction will be difficult. Every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family, whether or not these are shared by the majority of the people in the country where they live. The chapter explores how language can be and is increasingly used to label people in negative ways often related to their skin colour, the language they speak, their religion and cultures, we are touching on the origins of racism.
