The Causes and Solutions of Sexism in the English Language

  • Xiaoyi Tan Xi’an FANYI University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18282/l-e.v9i2.1406
Keywords: Sexism, English Language, The Causes and Solutions

Abstract

As we all know, English has become the language used by the largest number of people in all languages and is the representative of western civilization. Language is not only a social phenomenon, but also reflects the degree of social development. Therefore, understanding language is a crucial step for us to explore culture and civilization. However, no matter how developed the language is, it has its drawbacks and is not so impeccable. Sex discrimination has always been a phenomenon in English language. According to Longman English Dictionary, the interpretation of gender discrimination is: discrimination based on sex, especially the prejudice of men against women. This article will first elaborate on the etymology, word formation and usage of gender discrimination in English language. Secondly, this article will explain this phenomenon from the historical, social and cultural perspectives. Finally, in view of the gender discrimination phenomenon discussed in this article, this article will explain the development of the future trend and the solutions.

References

[1] Battista, E. Markedness: The Evaluative Superstructure of Language. New York： State University of New York Press, 1986.

[2] Bem, Sandra. The Lenses of Gender: Transforming the Debat on Sexual Inequality. Yale University Press, 1993.

[3] John Algeo & Thomas Phomas Pyles. The Origins and English Language. New York: World Book Ins, 1938.

[4] Jespersen, Otto. Language: Its Nature, Development and Origin. New York: World Book Ins, 1922.

[5] Lakeoff, R. Language and Women’s Place. New York Harper: Row Publishers, 1975.

Published
2020-11-10
Issue
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2020)

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