INTRODUCTION TO

EXTENSION 1 MODULE CLANGUAGE AND VALUES:

Elective 2- Language and
Gender

WHAT IS
GENDERED
LANGUAGE?

The following diagram helps to distinguish some possible starting-points:

CONTEXT
ADDRESSER >
MESSAGE
> ADDRESSEE
CONTACT
CODE
An addresser sends a message to an addressee; the message uses a code (usually a
language familiar to both addresser and addressee); the message has a context and is
transmitted through a contact (or a medium such as live speech, the telephone or
writing). For the purposes of discussing literature, the contact is usually now the
printed word (except, say, in drama or performance-poetry); and so we may restate the
diagram thus:
CONTEXT
WRITER > WRITING > READER
CODE
If look at language and texts from the addressers viewpoint, we draw attention to the
writer, and his or her emotive or expressive use of language;
if we focus on the context, we refer to the use of language and examine its historical
dimension at the point of the works production;
if we are principally interested in the addressee, we study the readers reception of the
message, hence introducing a different historical context.

(p. 35. Lodge.D. (ed)Modern Criticism & Theory. 1988)

The diagram above reflects the dynamic

relationship between language, context and text.
Unlike sexuality which supposedly identifies us
at birth, we adopt, perform or challenge the
gender expectations of sexual identity in context
and how language is used to construct our
reality.
Composers position us to adopt their
perspective of reality including gender identity.

The dynamic nature of language and the relationship

between each individual and their context are represented
by how composers use language to challenge or endorse
contextual values and attitudes to gender and
status.
Composers adopt or subvert a variety of forms and
structures by using characters whose language defines
them and communicates or conceals their ideas and
emotions.
Therefore, we need to consider the extent to which the
texts reflect reality or fantasy especially in
representations of gender and social pressures which
influence performances of gender which is dynamic in
response to context.

FOCUS ON LANGUAGE:

We attach meanings to things in the physical world by categorizing,

naming and typifying. An interesting complication is that one category
(female human beings) can have multiple names (woman, female, lady)
with different connotations (or typifications).
In English, most words for women have some negative connotation:
Woman and girl have both been used as synonyms for prostitute. Girl
also connotes childishness.
Lady was used in the 18th century to describe higher class females (as
opposed to women) and may be considered polite by older generations.
However, it sounds patronizing to many younger people.
Maam connotes age in a way that sir doesnt. Gal sounds patronizing
in a way that guy doesnt.
Female is now regarded as a mildly contemptuous equivalent for woman
[that strong-minded female is here again] (WNWD, 4th ed.)

Through the process of semantic derogation

(semantic,

meaning in language or sign; and derogation, meaning

theperceptionor treatment of someone as being of littleworth),

for women are debased:

words

Spinster: from tender of a spinning wheel to a

derogatory term for an unmarried woman
Hussy: from female head of household to woman of low
morals
Tart: from term of endearment to promiscuous woman
Biddy: from term of endearment to annoying (and
usually old) woman

In English, words for women have more negative connotations than words
for men:
Manly: having the qualities generally regarded as those that a man should
have; virile; strong, brave, resolute, honourable, etc.
Womanly: like a woman, womanish
Masculine: having qualities regarded as characteristic of men and boys, as
strength, vigour, boldness, etc.; manly; virile
Feminine: having qualities regarded as characteristic of women and girls,
as gentleness, weakness, delicacy, or modesty
Effeminate: 1. having the qualities generally attributed to women, as
weakness, timidity, delicacy, etc. 2. characterized by such qualities; weak;
soft; decadent, etc.
(Source: Websters New World Dictionary, 4th ed, 1999. Macmillan.)

Also compare: governorgoverness, mastermistress, patron

matron, sirmadam, bachelorspinster.

Other examples of linguistic sexism in English include:

Male generic language: he meaning he or she,
mankind, freshman.
Spotlighting: highlighting of gender to draw attention to
gender expectations: lady doctor, woman lawyer, male
nurse.
Womens names and titles draw attention to their
relationships with men, e.g., Mrs., Miss, Mrs. John Smith.
Greater vocabulary (and with more negative connotations) to
describe promiscuous women than promiscuous men.
Note also that men and women are described as opposite
sexes, not different sexes or complementary sexes.