Philippine E-Journals

UTILIZATION OF GENDER-FAIR LANGUAGE IN STUDENTS’ PERSONAL WRITTEN OPINIONS ON THE SOCIAL ROLES OF MEN AND WOMEN PORTRAYED IN SHAKESPEARE’S TAMING OF THE SHREW

Maria Allyssa Alonde | Rowe Ann Bitancor | Fely Dagatan | Norlie Estrella | Alissa Lobo | Marienel Villanueva | Jovan Alitagtag | Anna Liza A Ramos | Elena

 

Abstract:

Looking in this contemporary world, people are now more open in gender preferences which means that gender-fair language should be practiced more often rather than the default traditional English language to contribute inclusivity for each gender. Hence, this study analyzes the instances of linguistic features when students utilize gender-fair language in their personal written opinions on the social roles of men and women portrayed in Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. A discourse analysis is employed for this research focusing on the lexico-grammatical features and syntactical features of the text emphasizing the contextual meaning of the language embedded on gender-fair. It is revealed that most participants are bilingual thus it appears that their knowledge on English language varies from traditional English and gender-sensitive language. Linguistic features identified under lexico-grammatical that contributes to gender-fair language are the consistent use of third person pronouns, indefinite pronouns, and alternative designation of nouns into the text, and modals that suggest the need and sense of obligation, the units of analysis were at word level only. Whereas the analysis on syntactic features showcases the ability of students in crafting complex sentences employing first-person initiated formulaic expressions indicating a personal and emphatic expression but does not contribute to gender-fair language. This implication shows that students are aware of the other use English language that contributes to gender-fair language and reflects on their written opinions. Thus, it is recommended for teachers to initiate the practice and dissemination of gender-fair language into academic premises backed by proper pedagogy and materials.