Oral Presentations
Location
Schewel Hall Room 231
Access Type
Event
Event Website
http://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/red-letter-day/student-scholar-showcase/
Entry Number
124
Start Date
4-6-2016 11:45 AM
End Date
4-6-2016 12:00 PM
Abstract
The English language has always been changing, which is why there is a difference between Old, Middle, and Modern English. However, the language has not only changed in form, but also in the context and manner that it is used. The majority of the history of women has been a submissive one, with women being seen as the ‘invisible other’ compared to the male. In spite of this submissive period, women have very recently gained more of their independence, which has not only impacted job opportunities for women, but the way the English language is used as well. This presentation looks at how the English language has shifted to reflect changing feminism and sexist attitudes by looking at male-oriented generic nouns and generic pronouns, assumptions about gender-neutral nouns, negative associations for feminine words which are derived from masculine nouns, and finally, the way words for women are sexualized.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Leslie S. Layne
Thesis Paper
Language Change and Sexism Attitudes
Schewel Hall Room 231
The English language has always been changing, which is why there is a difference between Old, Middle, and Modern English. However, the language has not only changed in form, but also in the context and manner that it is used. The majority of the history of women has been a submissive one, with women being seen as the ‘invisible other’ compared to the male. In spite of this submissive period, women have very recently gained more of their independence, which has not only impacted job opportunities for women, but the way the English language is used as well. This presentation looks at how the English language has shifted to reflect changing feminism and sexist attitudes by looking at male-oriented generic nouns and generic pronouns, assumptions about gender-neutral nouns, negative associations for feminine words which are derived from masculine nouns, and finally, the way words for women are sexualized.
https://digitalshowcase.lynchburg.edu/studentshowcase/2016/Presentations/15