Linguistic Sexism And Gender Role Stereotyping In Malaysian English Language Textbooks

Abstract

Sexist language and gender stereotyping do not only disparage, but can also lower thedignity of one group of people, usually women/girls. If left unchecked, these negativenorms of behavior and attitude could be institutionalized and gradually become part ofour social and cultural code. Recent research findings indicate a strong presence ofgender bias and linguistic sexism in the language and content of educational materialssuch as textbooks and practice books. This paper addresses linguistic sexism and genderrole stereotyping in Malaysian English language school textbooks. Specifically, it looksat: If sexism is inculcated very early in life, how is it inculcated and what is inculcated?Are our school textbooks indirectly and unconsciously functioning as a conduit for theindoctrination and enforcement of sexism and sex role conformity among youngMalaysians? This paper presents the preliminary findings of an on-going research studythat documents the extent of gender bias and linguistic sexism in selected Malaysianprimary and secondary school English language textbooks.

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