如何减少英语中的性别歧视

Eliminating the Sexism in English

Abstract:

Language plays an important role in society, which can reflect all the sides of human society naturally. Linguistic sexism is a type of social phenomenon that reflects the certain traditional social value. One of the Sexism‟s definitions is that “The discrimination based on gender, especially discrimination against women.” the Danish linguist points out that English is the most masculine language as far as he is concerned in his Growth and Structure of the English Language. As a language which has a long history and influencing the world extensively, English has experienced innumerable reformations, which updates the language constantly. The reason of the sexist phenomenon‟s eliminating in the English language and then proposes ways to avoid sexist English.

Key Words: sexism; English; language; feminism; avoid

1. The phenomenon of Sexist English

Linguistic sexism is a social problem, which can reflect people‟s discrimination against the female sex. T he women‟s l iberation movement made people began to realize that the language reform and nonsexist becomes necessary. Sexist language should be changed and avoided, which is definitely positive for the developing of language. As the most widespread language in the world, English sexism should be avoided. Being given the same opportunities as men is the key point to eliminate linguistic sexism. The sexism in English Language has existed for a long time, and brings many bad feelings to women. This sexism comes from the deep cultural sexism on women in society, and has realistic factors. Though women‟s position is higher, the sexism still exists.

2. Women and men truly have equal status means language equality

In the Holy Bible(The Books of The Old Testament): “So the L ord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed

up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, …This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.‟ ” [1] .The Holy Bible is actually a book for men, which helps to set and consolidate the inferiority of women. In the Holy Bible, woman is always related to troubles and evil things.

In the past, few women work outside the home because working out of the home was often considered inappropriate or presented poor living conditions. Therefore, their marriage completely determined the condition they would live. Marriage was so important to a woman. The feminism movement in 1960s promots women‟s social position and then women has equal right with men. Most women today have taken all kinds of careers and have proven that they can do anything men can do; positions of a high rank are still rarely held by women.One of the many impacts feminism on society is its impact on language, which makes the sexism reduce a lot. This phenomenon shows that the main reason behind sexist language is not the language form itself, but our thought that comes from the social attitude to women. Only by changing the social structure till one day when women and men truly have equal status can language equality be really achieved. Therefore, linguistic action and social action should be taken simultaneously, aiming for eliminating sexism in language.

3. Avoiding the sexism in English

3.1Turning sexist words to non-sexist words

Making the most use of gender-free words can help people reduce sexism in the daily life and in English. A lot of new words have been coined along with the women‟s liberation movement, which greatly enriched English. These new words fall into two categories. The first category does not distinguish between male and female, that is, they are neutral. Pn. is the abbreviation of person. It is used instead of Mr., Miss. The second category does not indicate marital status. Ms. is used instead of