Gender-Neutral Language in Job Titles: A Corpus-Based Study

Corpus Linguistics

Gender-Neutral Language in Job Titles:

A Corpus-Based Study

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Nicson Yogi/1005653

English Education Department, Indonesia University of Education

2014

ABSTRACT

The study critically looks into the use of gender-neutral language in job titles as a corpus-based study. The aim of the study is to investigate the use of gender-neutral language in job titles by American people whether they use it consistently or not. The data were collected from the sites of American Corpus (COHA) and Collins Dictionary.  The findings show that the usage frequency of gender-neutral language in job title is still vague. And there is found feminism issues in the meaning and the frequency of “businesswoman” and “chairwoman”. In conclusion, From the discussion in the previous section, it can be concluded that at the end of 20th century, American people is inconsistent in implementing gender-neutral language.

Keywords : COHA; Collins Dictionary; gender-neutral language; job titles.

1. Introduction

Corpus linguistics is the empirical study of language using computer techniques and software to analyze large selected and compiled databases of naturally occurring language (Conrad, 2000, cited in Stranzy, 2005). According to Richard and Schmidt (2002).

there are many such term at the end of 20th century were replaced by gender-neutral forms (e.g. actor for both men and women, server instread of waiter or waitress, chairperson instead of chairman) in a number of speaking speech community.

Gender neutrality emphasises the equal treatment of men and women legally with no discrimination whatsoever. This goal is shared with both feminists and masculists. However, in gender neutralism, the emphasis is on transcending the perspective of gender altogether rather than focusing on the rights of specific genders. Since the 1970s, the notion of gendered language as being sexist has been highly debated (e.g., Markowitz, 1984; Mucchi-Faina, 2005).

        The present study primarily investigates the use of gender-neutral language in job titles based on COHA.

1. Literature Review

Gender-neutral language might be understood as the use of language which is not associated with a particular gender.

According to UNESCO in Gender Equality, Women Girls, Gender (1997), Gender equality represents an essential component of human right and a key to development. It requires a new partnership between women and men, girls and boys – one that’s based on mutual respect, dialogue and the sharing on public and private resposibilities.

Gender equality doesn’t mean that men and women become the same, but that their opportunities and life chance are equal.