How language reinforces discrimination against women
Editors and word-nerds alike know how the roots of language often unveil a deeper meaning — both on and off the page.
This includes attitudes and treatments found within our own society. Monash University’s Kate Burridge, Professor of Linguistics, and Howard Manns, Lecturer in Linguistics, explore how language has affected the view of women in their article, ‘Shrill, bossy, emotional: why language matters in the gender debate’, published in The Conversation on 10 May.
The academics review how women in politics have been criticised and demeaned for the way they speak, either presented as overly ‘shrill’ and aggressive when being assertive, or as too passive and timid.
Should editors encourage female authors to change the tone of their work to match that of their male counterparts, or are there benefits that come from a traditionally ‘feminine’ tone?
This article has been shared in accordance with The Conversation’s republishing guidelines.