The reification of stereotypes is made possible by communication through the use of

A stereotype is a widely held, simplified, and essentialist belief about a specific group.

Important Points

• Recent research has suggested that interpersonal communication may be an important source of stereotype maintenance.
• When communicated through a chain of people, stereotype-relevant information tends to become more stereotypical.
• Thus confirming the stereotypes held by recipients of communication.

Stereotyping

• It is the result of our tendency to overestimate the degree of association between group membership and psychological attributes.
• Linguistic stereotypes are an existent form of discrimination.
• Languages are criticized and mocked due to the connection between language and cultural character.
• Thus, language is significantly related to the identity of the speakers.
• Research shows that the use of language contributes in a subtle but powerful way to the representation of stereotypes, that is, to positive perceptions of ingroup members and negative perceptions of outgroup members by receivers of these messages.
• Recent research has also suggested that interpersonal communication may be an important source of stereotype maintenance. 
• When communicated through a chain of people, stereotype-relevant information tends to become more stereotypical, thus confirming the stereotypes held by recipients of communication.

Key Points

•  The reification of stereotypes is made possible by communication through the use of language and symbols.
• Language plays a crucial role in shaping and perpetuating stereotypes by providing a means to express and reinforce them. Through language, stereotypes can be communicated, shared, and internalized, leading to their reification or treatment as fixed and unquestionable truths.
• Communication through language allows stereotypes to be expressed and transmitted from one person or group to another.
• Words, phrases, and narratives associated with stereotypes can become deeply ingrained in social discourse, media representations, and everyday conversations.
• This constant reinforcement through communication can solidify stereotypes in people's minds, leading to their acceptance and perpetuation.