News and Perspectives: Words matter in primatology

• Published in: Primates Vol. 65; no. 1; pp. 33 - 39
• Main Authors: Bezanson, Michelle, Cortés-Ortiz, Liliana, Bicca-Marques, Júlio César, Boonratana, Ramesh, Carvalho, Susana, Cords, Marina, de la Torre, Stella, Hobaiter, Catherine, Humle, Tatyana, Izar, Patrícia, Lynch, Jessica W., Matsuzawa, Tetsuro, Setchell, Joanna M., Zikusoka, Gladys Kalema, Strier, Karen B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Nature Singapore 01.01.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal Ecology; Animals; Anthropology; Behavioral Sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Colonialism; Dictionaries; Digital media; Ecologists; Ecology; Evolutionary Biology; Indigenous peoples; Language; Life Sciences; Monkeys & apes; Native peoples; News and Perspectives; Primates; Questions; Social Media; Social networks; Society; Terminology; Zoology; Language; History; Colonialism
• ISSN: 0032-8332; 1610-7365; 1610-7365
• DOI: 10.1007/s10329-023-01104-6

Postings on social media on Twitter (now X), BioAnthropology News (Facebook), and other venues, as well as recent publications in prominent journals, show that primatologists, ecologists, and other researchers are questioning the terms “Old World” and “New World” due to their colonial implications and history. The terms are offensive if they result in erasing Indigenous voices and history, ignoring the fact that Indigenous peoples were in the Americas long before European colonization. Language use is not without context, but alternative terminology is not always obvious and available. In this perspective, we share opinions expressed by an international group of primatologists who considered questions about the use of these terms, whether primatologists should adjust language use, and how to move forward. The diversity of opinions provides insight into how conventional terms used in primatological research and conservation may impact our effectiveness in these domains.