Abstract：Gender discrimination, generally speaking, means a gender bias, and mainly refers to the discrimination against women.This discrimination exists in all aspects of our social life. During the development of society, men dominated the world in all ages. Language, as a means of communication, really demonstrates the uniqueness of human. Though language can not change people’s thinking , it can truly influence their outlook . Gender discrimination also reflects the dependence of women on men in the society under the rule of men.
In 1960s, gender discrimination in English language became a heated research area for researchers who were interested in linguistics. Even today, it still attracts a large number of learners majoring in linguistics to do much research in this field. This paper focuses on the gender discrimination phenomenon existing in English syntax, vocabulary and proverbs in order to make a thorough study on the gender discrimination in English language. In addition, this paper analyses the causes of the gender discrimination from the aspects of history, society and culture. It also discusses some basic strategies y to eliminate this kind of gender discrimination.
The paper aims to remind us to avoid using sexist language , in order to have a better communication with people in English-speaking countries and perfect the English language. Only in this way can we really realize the equality between men and women in language.
Keywords: gender discrimination; discrimination against women; English language
Contents
Abstract
中文摘要
1. Introduction-1
2. Literature Review-2
3. Phenomena of Gender Discrimination in English Language-4
3.1 Sexism in Proverbs-4
3.2 Sexism in Vocabulary-5
3.3 Sexism in Syntax-5
4. Causes of Gender Discrimination in English Language-6
4.1 Living Environment-6
4.2 Cultural Factors-8
4.3 Social Factors-10
5. Feasibilities of Reducing Linguistic Sexism-11
6. Conclusion-13
Works Cited-14
