Why we have to avoid sexist language, English

Assignment Help:

Avoid Sexist Language

The "he or she" problem

Most composition theorists now agree that it's unacceptable to use masculine nouns and pronouns to refer to the whole human race. A sentence like "Man's hunger for knowledge has always distinguished him from other animals" may technically include women, but do you really "see" a woman in your mind as you're reading it? Since women are just as hungry for knowledge as men, it's important to include them.

Of course, using terms that include both genders can become awkward. One of the biggest problems arises when you are trying to discuss a group of people using a singular representative. Take the following lines, for example:

When writing for a magazine, the writer should find out as much about his or her readers as he or she can. He or she should research the magazine's subscriber base, to learn what writing style he or she will have to use.

This is obviously clumsy. However, such problems don't mean that you should revert to calling the writer "he." Using "they" to refer to a singular noun is becoming more common (as in "the writer should find out about their readers") but is still technically incorrect.

 


Related Discussions:- Why we have to avoid sexist language

English literature, distinguishing features of literature as a mode of lan...

distinguishing features of literature as a mode of language?

Essay on economic events occur around us every day, 1. Economic events occu...

1. Economic events occur around us every day. This assignment aims to provide association between what you learn from economic models and concepts in class with real-life events ha

My Priority in Life, Can you please help me to write a paragraph using tran...

Can you please help me to write a paragraph using transitive and intransitive verbs, linking verbs, auxiliary verbs. It''s pertaining to the topic above.

What are glossary of literary techniques, Glossary of Literary Techniques ...

Glossary of Literary Techniques Below is a list of literary techniques. It's not terribly important to memorize these terms--what is important is understanding what they can do.

What is historical background to understand shakespeare play, What is histo...

What is historical background to understand Shakespeare play? Shakespeare was part of the European Renaissance—a cultural "rebirth" where scholars throughout Europe rediscovere

PREPOSITION PHRASE, #1. STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY LIKE ARGUMENT. #2. AS FO...

#1. STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY LIKE ARGUMENT. #2. AS FOR ME ALL IS WELL TODAY. #3. TODAY IN FRANCE, PRICES ARE HIKING DAILY. #4. HE RAN IN THE YARD TO HIDE. #5. I AM NOT HERE FOR U

What are pronouns?, What are pronouns? Pronouns are very closely relate...

What are pronouns? Pronouns are very closely related to nouns. They do all the jobs that nouns do, plus some special work that only a pronoun can do. We often use pronouns to

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd