Alternatives to Sexist Expressions in English. Studies in Modern Grammar 99, 197-210. This study tries to examine various sexist expressions in English and propose their alternatives. Given the close relationship between language and thought, sexist expressions in English reflect English speakers’ androcentric assumptions in male-dominated traditional social structures. We see sexist phenomena in English from generic masculine forms, sexism in word orders, marked feminine expressions etc. These sexist expressions can be replaced by alternatives that do not substantially change meanings and grammaticality. Generic masculine forms can be replaced by singular they, he or she, first and second person pronouns, and one. Sexist word orders can use one word expressions or both masculine-feminine and feminine-masculine orders. Marked feminine expressions can adopt universal and gender-neutral words instead. These politically correct expressions will lead English language speakers to an elevated social sense of gender equality. [Key words: sexist expressions, non-sexist expressions, generic masculine forms, sexism in word orders, marke
1. Introduction
2. History of Sexist Language Phenomena
3. Sexist Phenomena in Usage of English
4. Alternatives to Sexist English Expressions
5. Conclusion
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