Gender and identity lesson provides you with the opportunity to consider how language affects our perceptions of gender. At the end of this lesson, you will be able to consider to what extent language impacts our gender and how we strive to have equality for all.
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Sexism is rife in language. A woman may be described as “bossy”, while a man is more likely to be “assertive”. The Economist's language expert Lane Greene explores the gender stereotypes used in everyday speech.
Read the text about the change to the meaning of 'they' in the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
Adapted from Merriam-Webster dictionary word of the year 2019 is 'they' by Sabrina Barr.
Here are the keywords and phrases to learn:
- charismatic
- compliments
- double standards
- gender-neutral
- gender-specific
- gender stereotype
- gossiping
- unwanted offense
Answers for the Reading Exercise
1. shifting 2. gender 3. personal 4. primary 5. study 6. singular 7. pronouns 8. language
- Make a leaflet that makes students aware of the gender bias associated with a language. You should including promoting a scheduled debate addressing this matter at your school next week.
- Write a speech about if you believe women should play an equal role as men in a country’s police or military force. Mention your views regarding if women are suitable for these kinds of roles in our society.
- In most societies, the role of the mother and father differs. What are the causes of these differences? What will be the parental roles in the future? Write an essay expressing your views.
- Men are often placed in the most high-level positions in the workplace. Some people say that governments should encourage a certain percentage of these jobs to be reserved for women. Do you agree or disagree? Write a blog post expressing your opinions.
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