Module 4
Gender-fair Languages
Overview
Our language and society reflect one another, so we as communicators need to recognize and
respect the change in the meaning and acceptability of words. Concern about using the sexist
language of part of our increased awareness that some words' perceived meaning has changed
in response to the changing roles of men and women in society.
The module's primary focus is to identify discriminating languages against women and other
forms of discrimination in language. It aims to explain how society can achieve a gender-fair
language.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Identify the ways languages discriminates against women;
2. States forms of discrimination in language; and
3. Explain how gender-fair language can be realized.
1.1.
Language and Gender Relations
Language is a vital tool for communication. It is not only a means of communicating thoughts
and ideas, but it builds friendships, economic relationships, and cultural ties. It is an integral
part of any culture, regarded as a neutral force that can enforce particular ideas in many ways,
including gender.
In terms of language, there are many assumptions on gender that exist. Some languages
specifically define men and women. With these gendered-specific languages, unequal treatment
to men and women emerged. With the use of gendered-specific words, it mostly gives the idea
that men are in charge of everything.
In the book of Thelma Kintanar and Angela Tongson entitled "Gender-fair Language: A
Primer," the focus is on three aspects of how language informs gender: language articulates
consciousness, reflects the culture and affects socialization. Like gender stereotyping, language
influences one's perception of gender, and others (Rodriguez & Rodriguez, 2019).
READ: Gender-fair Language: A Primer by Thelma Kintanar and Angela Tongson at
https://library.pcw.gov.ph/sites/default/files/Gender-fair%20language%20a%20primer.pdf
Self-Study Questions:
1. What is sexism in Language?
2. Why should we be concern about gender-neutral words?
16 Gender and Society
Prepared by: Ann Margarit P. Bersano
I.2 . Violations of gender-fair language
Sexist language refers to words and phrases that reinforce unequal gender relations through
sex-role stereotypes, microaggressions, and sexual harassment. It is a form of discriminatory
language that demean, ignore stereotype the other sex.
Sexist language can send subtle messages that reinforce unfair relations or perpetuate
stereotypes. For instance, the use of "policeman," "fireman," or "chairman" is gendered words
that denote "men are the only ones allowed to work on these jobs." Simultaneously, phrases
like "men cannot take charge of household chores” or “women cannot become a pilot” give the
negative perception of sexes and their capabilities. Language as a means of communication is a
powerful tool that helps shape how people perceive the world. According to Kintanar and
Tongscon, there are various examples of sexist or biased language:
These violations of gender-fair language are condensed as follows:
a. Invisibilization of women. The invisibilization of women is rooted in the assumption that
men are dominant and are the norm of humanity's fullness, and women do not exist. Some
prominent examples of women invisibilization in language are:
 The generic use of masculine pronouns or the service of a male general. E.g. The
use of the word "mankind."
 The use of male job titles or term ending in man refers to functions that may be
both genders. E.g. the use of the words "businessman" and "chairman."
b. Trivialization of Women
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Bringing attention to the gender of a person, if that person is a woman. E.g., The
use of "lady athlete," "lady guard," or "woman doctor."
The perception of women as immature. E.g., Calling women "darling" or "baby" if
The objectification, or likening to objects, of women. E.g., being called “honey,”
“sweet,” or “chick,” women become devalued.
c. They are fostering unequal gender relations. A language that lacks parallelism fosters
unequal gender relations. The use of "man" and "wife" assumes that men are still men, and
women's identities are subsumed into beings concerning their husbands.
d. Gender polarization of women. Gender polarization happens because societies perceive
femininity and masculinity as polar opposite genders. In language, the terms womanly,
manly, feminine, masculine depicts that each sex has its particular attribute.
e. Hidden assumptions. The hidden assumption in sentences implies sexist perceptions of
men and women. For example, "men who care for children as good as women" give the
impression that men's care is just temporary since the primary caregiver is the mother.
1.3. Sexist Language and Culture
Language is a powerful means that perpetuate sexism and gender discrimination. Everyday
sexism in language is observable everywhere. Commercialization and trivialization of women
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have become a common theme in everyday languages. There is a sexist portrayal of women in
entertainment, movies, advertisements, and arts. Today, there is already a normalization of
sexism that results in violence against women and children. The use of sexist language
reinforced the idea that specific words and traits are associated with particular genders.
Gender stereotyping happens every day and everywhere. From catcalling to telling someone
stupid or bitch, these are harsh words that can negatively impact a person. Joking at women or
the LGBT and generalizing that they are weak is another form of gender stereotyping using
language.
WATCH: How Sexism Affects us all by Julia Hardy at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqt4Ycpp3Ow.
Self-Study Questions:
1. What is the negative effect of sexism?
2. How is sexism manifested in everyday lives?
1.4. Towards a gender-fair language
The use of gender-fair language and the removal of sexist language are crucial for gender
equality. As societies aim towards being inclusive regardless of gender, the use of gender-fair
language is promoted. In the Philippine, the party-list GABRIELA (General Assembly Binding
Women for Reform, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Action) is advocating for the rights of
women and eliminating gender stereotypes. Language is not just about the words. Languages
that reflect stereotypes to women must be avoided. Societies must become aware of languages'
use, as these words might be offensive already or promote biases against the other gender.
WATCH: Why gender-inclusive language matters by Win Chesson at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2YNrEgKHZY&t=308s.
Self-Study Questions:
1. What is the importance of using gender-neutral language?
2. In what ways gender-fair language can be manifested?
Activity and Assessment:
Activity1-1
Choose ONE of the two activities below:
1. Look for a short or one-page text (news, magazine, laws, books, etc.) that violates genderfair language. Highlight those words that are not gender-fair or discriminatory. Provide
edits of revisions on these parts to make the language gender-fair.
2. Research the lyrics or video of your favorite song that speaks to or about women. . Write
the title of the song and the artist(s).
a. How are women portrayed in this song? What words are used to describe men and
18 Gender and Society
Prepared by: Ann Margarit P. Bersano