The effect of terminology on public consciousness related to the HIV epidemic

Language, as a reflection of culture, not only mirrors the concepts of the society in which it is employed, but also shapes the consciousness of the people who communicate with it. Recently acquired terminology related to AIDS has had a dramatic effect upon American perceptions and traditions. Current suggestions that the term "HIV infection" be used as a substitute for "AIDS" when referring to the epidemic we currently face validly demonstrate the impact that semantics have upon accurately raising consciousness regarding the magnitude of a problem. People involved in AIDS/HIV instruction should take these concerns into consideration when presenting the AIDS issue.