[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next]
[Date Index]
[Thread Index]
[Author Index]
Return to main CEDA-L Archive Page
Linguistic Eden
Not only is the discussion about man being gender inclusive interesting on the
L, it's interesting in academic linguistic discussions. I have read some on the
topic while researching my sexist language position, and I thought I'd toss in
some thoughts from the field.
I am of the opinion that man, whether meant to be gender inclusive or not, is g
ender exclusive. There are many linguistic studies to back my claim up. People,
upon hearing man, think "male." The studies are there. Unfortunately, this is a
bout as specific as I can get in the computer lab on a random Tuesday. If I
had my files on me, I could give you all the cites and let you read it
yourself.
It is also interesting that man is considered to include woman when, actually,
the exact opposite is true. The word woMAN includes man, but obviously, the opp
osite is not true. Also, it makes no sense not to use human or person instead o
f man, simply because the alternative is available. Not only is the alternative
"Politically correct", but it is also more precise, something that our English
teachers long ago told us to try for.
Something to think about....
Elliott Roberts
University of Alabama Crimson Tide
Archive created by Jonathan Stanton (jonathan@cs.jhu.edu)
Return to main CEDA-L Archive Page