社会语言学论文

The Linguistic Sexism in English

(王丹，21131411066，2013级外国语言学及应用语言学) Abstract:Sexism is not determined by language itself, it’s the reflection of a certain cultural ideology in the language. Sexual discrimination exists in both east and west societies. This paper mainly introduces the linguistic sexism in English explaining the definitions and causes of linguistic sexism.

Keywords: Linguistic sexism; definition; causes

Language derives from a nation’s long-term development. It is a mirror which reflects pe ople’s thinking and culture of the whole social community. In the history of human evolution, it exists sexism in Chinese and western culture all the time. Language and culture are closely related to each other. Sexism in English is one of important subjects of language research.

In the early 1920s, Jespersen had noticed that most nouns in English only indicated the men. For example, as a result of the early social role assignment, "minister", "bishop", "lawyer", "baker", "day" and other words were only used for men. Although with the development of society and women’s independence movement, many women entered these occupations, language itself was difficult to change. We can call it the "female lawyer" or "female minister", but we don't have a corresponding simple words to call these female professionals.

Since 1960s, with the prosperity of the feminist movement which argues the equal rights between men and women, women in western countries make every effort to strive for their own legitimate rights and interests in many aspects. Naturally, language is no exception. In 1970, NOW (National Organization for Women) went on strike in struggle for equal treatments. The slogan was” Don’t Iron while the Strike is Hot!” Under this situation, many women turned to work and were engaged in pursing their studies. Consequently, linguistics was not a relatively closed kingdom of men. Then after 1970, many new media for example The New York Times, Washington Post triggered the thinking on the use of language. It goes without thinking; all the actions improve the recognition of the public. It has the positive meaning in eliminating the linguistic sexism.

What is linguistic sexism? Linguistic sexism is defined as “words, phrases, and expressions that unnecessarily differentiate between women and men or exclude, trivialize, or diminish either gender” (Parks & Roberton, 1998, p. 455). It mainly shows in four aspects:

nguage that favors one sex over another. Eg: Frailty, thy name is woman. (Shakespeare)

nguage that belittles one sex. Eg: Marry your son when you will, your daughter when you can.( 杨永林1987:40)

nguage that makes one sex invisible. Eg: Man is the highest form of life on earth. His superior intelligence, combined with certain physical characteristics, have enabled man to achieve things that are impossible for other animals。（Britannica Junior Encyclopedia1971）