Status Updates From Feminism and Linguistic Theory

The feminist view of language is reminiscent of the feminist view of sexuality: it is a powerful resource which the oppressor has appropriated, giving back only the shadow which women need to function in patriarchal society.

human culture is characterised by the creation of languages (discourses) which structure our view of the world.

Language is part of patriarchy. If it plays a crucial part in social organisation it is instrumental in maintaining male power, and feminists must study its workings carefully.