Scrabble's evolving dictionary: Navigating cultural context and the removal of harmful words

Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit

Lester Kiewit speaks to Diana Mason, a member of the South African Scrabble Association, about the work of the dictionary committee responsible for updating Scrabble’s official word list every two years. Diana explains how the committee evaluates commonly used words for inclusion while also addressing cultural shifts, such as the removal of around 200 harmful or offensive terms in recent years. She highlights the challenges players face in staying updated as the game evolves to reflect societal norms and celebrates the ongoing effort to balance language development with inclusivity.

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