The Significance of the Ways the English Language Represents Women and Men

The Significance of the Ways the English Language Represents Women and Men

In the beginning of the twentieth century, many people felt that

language should be used in certain ways. In "The Semantic Derogation

of Woman" Muriel Schulz presents an interesting observation of words

which refer to women. She claims that this shows the attitudes and

fears that men hold about women. Schultz explains that words descend

on several theories of why you can predict that almost always, words,

once neutral or positive, meaning women acquire negative and often

sexual connotations. Historically men have made language for many

reasons. Mainly men have created language because they were the

primary creators of most cultures. So, when Schultz examines biases

she is asserting that these are male biases that have been handed down

through the generations. Schulz notes that it is interesting that

terms of showing affection, which are meant to stress those things men

appreciate, often become acquainted with a degraded, shameful

profession. Schulz does say that sometimes negative words describing

women are not sexual, but that these usually apply to overweight or

dirty women. Words which refer to older women have undesirable

connotations which imply that older women are unattractive and bad

tempered. Schulz states that women who are overweight seem to receive

words that refer to old, worn out, and useless animals such as horses

and cows. For example, the words for a person without a partner are

Bachelor and Spinster. Bachelor is often thought of as a young man who

is enjoying life and it is therefore a positive connotation. However

Spinster is often thought of...

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...the female being the carer, protector and

primary educator. E.g Motherland, Mother tongue, Mother earth.

Whether or not sexist language should be avoided depends on the

circumstances and the context. Demeaning or derogative language is not

desirable in modern society where we are expected to be considered as

equals. However there are biological differences between the sexes and

to avoid all sexist language would not acknowledge this. e.g. mother

changed to parent would not acknowledge the unchallengeable biological

role of the female. Some of our language has developed over a long

period and is part of our culture. It should not be oppressed because

a minority of radical thinkers find it offensive. However, the English

language is constantly evolving, and should adapt to suit the majority

views on what is acceptable.