Equality in Language

Article Review # 116057

Gender and Sexuality
Language > English: Linguistics
Linguistics

An analysis of two articles that argue over the need to eradicate sexism in the English language.

1,162 words () | 2 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper first discusses how Wendy Martyna, in her article "Beyond the 'He/Man' Approach: The Case for Nonsexist Language," argues for change towards nonsexist language since sexist language and sexist attitudes are closely connected. The paper then contrasts this to Stefan Kanfer's argument in "Sispeak: A Misguided Attempt to Change History" that a society's language will not affect its sexist attitudes. The paper asserts that Kanfer's article demonstrates an author's unwillingness to address an issue seriously. The writer agrees with Martyna that humans' beliefs, traditions, and actions are so deeply rooted in language that they cannot be anything but be affected by it.

From the Paper:

"A society's language is one of its most powerful distinctions. In language, a society's history and present are reflected. When the English language is considered, the language that still contains masculine nouns to describe all humans (mankind) or masculine pronouns to substitute people, men and women, it is difficult not to raise questions about English-speaking societies' attitudes towards gender and gender equity.
"The issue of sexism in language is addressed in two relatively dated articles, and the authors of these articles take opposing sides. One, Wendy Martyna, argues for change towards nonsexist language, while the other author, Stefan Kanfer, argues that changing the language is ludicrous, believing that a society's language will not affect its sexist attitudes if they are present."

Sample of Sources Used:

Kanfer, Stefan. "Sispeak: A Msguided Attempt to Change Herstory." Time 23 Oct. 1972: 1-3. 29 April 2008 <http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,878062,00.html>.
Martyna, Wendy. "Beyond the 'He/Man' Approach: The Case for Nonsexist Language." Signs 5.3 (Spring 1980): 482-493. 29 April 2008 <http://www.jstor.org/stable/3173588>.