Page 203 - IELTS Preparation Grammar and Vocab

Gender issues

Language, gender in sport

Language V Vocabulary note

When using a gender-neutral noun,
nui Which of these job titles tell you the gender of the person?
for example student or doctor, we have
Write M (male), F (female) or N (neutral). a choice of pronouns.

actor midwife teacher

If we know that the student or doctor
cameraman nurse waitress is a man or a woman we can refer to

them as he or she.

doctor police officer fireman

firefighter solicitor policewoman If we do not know, or do not want to

headmistress surgeon specify the gender of the person, we
can use they, them, their, themselves:
If a student fails their exams, they will
al Two of these phrases are definitions of the term
usually get a chance to resit.
gender-neutral language. Which ones?
1
language which does not specify gender
r Vocabulary note
i
2
language which clarifies gender
3 These relationship words refer to
language which is inclusive of both sexes
people of both genders: partner, spouse,
colleague, relative, cousin, parent, friend,
W Complete the text with words from the box.
sibling
spouse = husband or wife (formal,
biased categorise connet-ations neutral sexes stereotypes
legal); sibling = brother or sister (formal)
English words with sexist (1) connotokons lead those who speak the language to subconsciously
(2)
people by their gender. Human language is deeply rooted in the subconscious and
it is said that the language of a culture is clear evidence of the values and beliefs of that culture. Many
gender-(3)
words exist in the English language. It follows that our choice of language
has had an impact on our society and culture. Does sexist language contribute to how we think of both
(4) language on today's
today? Is it possible to impose a gender-(5)
society? It is my view that our society should be concerned about perpetuating gender
through language.
(6)
1.4 I Replace the gender-biased words in italics with neutral words. Use a dictionary to help you.
1
Stand-up comedienne Sarah Millican's tour has sold out at venues across the UK.
2
The fate of many of the planet's species is now in the hands of mankind.
3
I think my forefathers were probably farmers because my surname is 'Farmer'.
4 for stewardesses at some airlines are very high.
The English-language requirements
5
I can't wear clothes containing man-made fibres. They make me itch!
6
Transport will be provided to and from the venue for conference delegates and their wives.
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