Gender and Language Free Essay Example, 1000 words

People may use sexist language simply because the use is habitual and they find it hard to alter terms or phrases used most or all of their lives. Additionally, people are continually exposed to sexist terms in the spoken and written language. To not disrupt a normal, rhythmic and understandable conversation, people use these terms without a thought of inappropriateness. â€Å"Conversational sexism is learned at an early stage, from the time a child is learning to speak† (Parks & Roberton, 1998). Language is learned at an early, impressionable age along with the sexism permeating it. However, studies have shown that though hard to change entirely, the use of sexist terms in everyday speech can be altered depending on the sensitivity level a person possesses regarding sexism. What is learned even early on in development can be re-learned to some extent if a person is aware of the disparity in language usage. According to one study’s findings, males of high school age we re, not surprisingly, more probable to use sexist language than were their female counterparts. We will write a custom essay sample on Gender and Language or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now (Matheson & Kristiansen, 1987). The sexism present in language is spoken seldom with thought of its meaning. It is a significant aspect of the culture that is passed down from one generation to the other normally with no intention. Children can only learn language habits from what they hear from those already comfortable with their language patterns. Well before a child enters school, they are already developing knowledge of gender-related stereotypes and roles that will, at least somewhat, stay with them for a lifetime. â€Å"By the age of three, children are able to distinguish males from females, and by the age of five, many children have already formed strong gender stereotypes. These gender stereotypes are constructed, shaped and maintained by societal values† (Serbin, Powlishta & Gulko, 1993). Literature, by way of having stories read to them, along with what they observe from their parents’ words and actions are the main key methods by which children learn social standards. Gender biases contained in books shape the way children formulate self images and how they view other people as well. Books have served to reflect and define people’s concept of feminine and masculine roles in society. Words frequently used to portray males were fierce, terrible, great, proud, furious, horrible and big. Descriptive adjectives used for females frequently involved words such as sweet, frightened, weak, beautiful and scared.