Abstract

Language plays an important role in society. It can reflect people’s social status and the level of education. Gender discrimination in English language is a common phenomenon. This thesis tries to analyze the current situation of gender discrimination in English language from the perspective of English language. It will manifest gender discrimination in English language from two aspects--word formation and word meaning. It focus on the history factors, social factors and cultural factors of gender discrimination in English language.

Key words : English language, gender discrimination, history factors, social factors, cultural factors

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction of gender discrimination-1

1.2 Current situation of gender discrimination in English language-1

2. Manifestations of Gender Discrimination in English Language-2

2.1 Gender discrimination in word formation-2

2.2 Gender discrimination in abuse of the word “man”-3

2.3 Gender discrimination in vocabulary-4

2.3.1 Vocabulary ending with “man”-4

2.3.2 Vocabulary that describe occupation-4

2.3.3 Corresponding words that indicate different meanings-4

2.4 Gender discrimination in calling-5

2.5 Gender discrimination in English slang-5

3. Factors of Gender Discrimination in English Language-7

3.1 History factors-7

3.2 Social factors-7

3.3 Cultural factors-8

4. Methods to Avoid Gender Discrimination in English Language-9

4.1 Avoid using words like “man” or “mankind”-9

4.2 Avoid using compound words composed of “man”-10

4.3 Avoid using words that plus suffix “ess”-10

4.4 Avoid using the word “he”-10

4.5 Avoid using occupational words that considered as specific man 

or woman-11

4.6 Avoid introducing a female through her husband-11

5. Conclusion-11

Works Cited-13