ARE WOMEN GENDER FREE?

Language reflects changing times and UNICEF went through with changes from Chairwoman and Chairman to Chairperson. We do not say Executive Directress to imply a woman is occupying the position although MS Word has the word of "directress."

In the same token, it is high time the gender tone is not so apparent, like actress.  Instead just use gender-free language like actor, steward, waiter and drop the ‘ess’ extension.  A lawyer is a lawyer and not a “lawyeress” and neither is a woman editor an “editress”.  At least Microsoft Word speller shows actress as a misspelling and suggests actor. We seem to have it right in some quarters but not in all cases.  I am now bugging our Town Supervisor to give up the title of Councilwoman, and use Councilperson instead.

Women have now come a long way in assuming senior positions all over the world and the grammarians should start on making the English language gender-free. For that matter, in the parts of the world where women are equal, all languages should go gender free. This does not mean that the languages should give up on the distinction between a "man" and a "woman" that strictly determines the primary gender of humanity.

In 'Write to the Point' (Barnes & Noble), author Salvatore J. Iacone, Ph.D. suggests to:

Eliminate Masculine Pronoun

"A manager needs to express (his) with clarity and precision."

Use a Noun

"We always provide (a man) the customer with personal attention."

Use Plural Nouns and Pronouns

"Editors must have a sound knowledge of English usage."

Use "He/She" or "His or Her" Combined Pronouns

"A person has a right to his or her opinion."

Use Passive Voice

"How often must a scientist perform this experiment to obtain a correct result?"

Comments

[rohini de silva]

If we can support gender free language with gender bias free then we will have gender equality faster! regards

[Merrill Cassell]

Great point Rohini. Please also see http://merrillc.typepad.com/unwind/2006/05/unconscious_bia.html and http://merrillc.typepad.com/unwind/2006/04/who_am_i.html