Hate speech operationalization: a preliminary examination of hate speech indicators and their structure

Abstract Hate speech should be tackled and prosecuted based on how it is operationalized. However, the existing theoretical definitions of hate are not sufficiently fleshed out or easily operable. To overcome this inadequacy, with help interdisciplinary experts, we propose an empirical definition by providing a list 10 indicators rationale behind them (the refer to specific, observable, measurable characteristics that offer practical speech). A preliminary exploratory examination structure speech, focus comments related migrants (one most reported grounds speech), revealed two in particular, denial human rights promoting violent behavior, occupy central role network indicators. Furthermore, discuss implications proposed indicators—especially (semi-)automatic detection using latest natural language processing (NLP) machine learning (ML) methods. Having set quantifiable could benefit researchers, right activists, educators, analysts, regulators pragmatic approach assessment detection.