Book Title: Transformative Approaches in Multidisciplinary Research (TAMR)
Chief Editors: Dr. Meenakshi Kujur, and Dr. Hamidun Bunawan
Associate Editors: Mr. Gunjit Singhal, and Dr. Asma Farooque
Co-Editors: Dr. Suresh Kamarapu, and Dr. Souvik Sur
Chapter: 21
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/672/21
Author: Mrs. T. Surekha
Abstract
Language change of gendered language in English is one of the critical areas through which the linguistic and social dimensions of change have evolved as the attitude towards culture has changed through the Middle English era into the media today. This research paper examines how gendered language in English has evolved over the papers of Chaucer to the digital and media discourse today, through the perspectives of linguistic patterns, representation and ideological impact on the language over time. In the study, qualitative research approach is taken where textual analysis of the chosen literary works, historical texts and current media sources is integrated with discourse analysis to study the developments of gendered expressions over the time. The results show that there was significant difference in the application and use of the gendered language over the periods. During the period of Chaucer, language had highly hierarchical and patriarchal systems and gender equality was not well visible in language. Modern English, in turn, displays growing efforts at gender neutrality, inclusivity and challenging established gender binaries, which have been caused in part by feminist movements, social reform, and the globalization of the media. Nonetheless, there are still issues, especially in the media discourse where the stereotypes, implicit bias, and gendered framing still exist. Irrespective of these problems, the development of gendered language has helped to increase the inclusivity and social representation, which in turn has shaped the way identity is produced and conveyed in the two written and spoken language. The modern media can make a significant contribution to the faster rate of linguistic change by making gender-neutral terms commonplace and provoking the older customs. In addition, the paper points out that the process of language reform is not consistent, since there is opposition and diversity in the context of various cultural and institutional settings. The linguistic and social implications such as the effects of gender-inclusive language policy, education reforms, and media practices to minimize bias are also discussed in the paper. This paper has shown that gendered language is a dynamic process that is continually influenced by social, cultural and political forces.
Keywords: Gendered language, sociolinguistics, language change, Chaucer, modern media, gender neutral, discourse analysis, feminist linguistics, language and identity, media representation.
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