Each type of specialized discourse has its own set of linguistic norms which determine the characteristic styles of various specializations. However, subject-specific elements and the corresponding definitional clarity and precision of expression only make up a part of such discourse. To a considerable extent, specialized discourse also draws on non-specialized style. In contrast to specialized terms, which convey technical concepts and models neutrally, non-specialized language is culturally biased. Common expressions, such as frequently-occurring word combinations, are building blocks of linguistic memory ("Bausteine des Sprachgedächtnisses"; Schmidt). They convey judgements, preconceptions and attributions (i.e. socially-shared stereotypes). These can interfere with the required objectivity in disciplines focusing on people, since the cultural values, norms and stereotypical preconceptions reflected in linguistic fixities are reproduced and reinforced by the habitual use of fixed expressions. As the influence of non-specialized language cannot be eliminated from specialized discourse, it should to be "neutralized" as much as possible by conscious use of the language to avoid undesirable implications. Using an example of medical discourse on the topic of AIDS/HIV, this paper shows how stereotypes can be detected on the basis of a broader conception of collocation and discourse-analytical and context-sensitive text analysis. It also demonstrates how habitual attributions can be linguistically realized through preferred selections.