LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 22:8 August 2022
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Managing Editor & Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

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The Use of Sexist Words in Both English and Bangla Languages and
the Ways to Avoid These Biased Words

Zannatul Ferdous and Mahmuda Alam

Abstract

Words mean things, but the meaning of a word is a complex reflection of the values of the culture which the language evolved. As such, all languages contain terms which, if taken individually and objectively without a context, appear overly nationalistic and sexist. Sexism in language is a social problem, since it is the reflection of human beings’ thoughts. As we know, language is a comparatively stable system, much of its reduction in sexist language appears to be taking place as an unconscious reflection of social and attitudinal changes. Therefore, to eliminate the sexist language, we should above all eliminate the concept of prejudice in human beings’ thoughts. Only by this way can we be free of sexism both in language and the society forever.

Keywords: sexist words, avoid and eliminate, Bangla, English.

Introduction

Sexist language is language that expresses bias in favor of one sex and thus treats the other sex in a discriminatory manner. In most cases the bias is in favor of men and against women. The existence of sexist language is due to sexism in society. As a social phenomenon, language is closely related to social attitudes. In the past, women are supposed to stay at home, remaining powerless and generally subordinate to man, whereas men are considered as the center both in the family and society. In a word, for a long-time women have been looked on as “the weaker sex” in society. Even in English-speaking countries, which hold the claim that “everyone is created equal”, discrimination against women exists. Language simply reflects this social fact.

However, because of their greater status-consciousness, the movement amongst feminists to reduce sexual discrimination and sex-role stereotyping has led to a number of conscious attempts to influence and change languages and linguistic behavior. In Bangla also we notice frequent use of some sexist language. Things are changing day by day and now it’s the time to avoid sexist language.

Exploring the Ways to Avoid These Biased Words

If we pay a close consideration to this fact, we will f ind that, in society, men are considered the norm for the human species: their characteristics, thoughts, beliefs and actions are viewed as fully representing those of all humans, male and female. At a very young age, society begins to teach children of their roles in life. Children are taught to be sexist from the beginning.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.


Zannatul Ferdous
MA in TESOL, North South University
Former Faculty Member, Scholastica English Medium School
lopamm@yahoo.com


Mahmuda Alam
M.Phil. in ELT, University of Dhaka
MA in TESOL, North South University
Full-time Lecturer, World University of Bangladesh
masrooralmir@gmail.com
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