Reflection Task. Synonyms of Homelessnes
The online dictionary ‘Thesaurus’ suggests more than 20 synonyms for homeless .
1) Please look at them and think how each of the words/expressions describe the homeless.
Reflect on the connotations and sentiment of these words: a) are they neutral; b) do they have an element of stigma?; c) do they have some implications about the way the homeless should be treated?.
On the other hand, the ‘Thesaurus’ provides only one synonym for homelessness, which is vagabondage. This list clearly needs to be extended. One of the obvious omissions is ‘rooflessness’.
2) Try to compile a list of as many synonyms for homelessness as you can think of.
Using the FEANTSA definition of homelessness (introduced to you in chapter 6 - see also the group activity on different types of homelessness), think about the aspects of homelessness or the different life situations each word on your list refers to. Are there aspects of homelessness in the definition of FEANTSA, for which there are no specific terms or expressions in the English language?
3) Don’t forget to include ‘vagabondage’ on your list. Why do you think this word came up so prominently in ‘Thesaurus’? Is the link between homelessness and vagabondage part of a specific set of values, ideas and policies to address homelessness?Try to address the same questions about sentiment and connotations, which we asked about the term “homeless’ (see the paragraph 1)).