1. Other Words, Other Worlds: An Exploratory Case Study into the Use of
Gender-Neutral Language
Abstract
Though entrenched for years in English, gendered language has in some
institutions been replaced by gender-neutral language. Gendered language and sexist
language is harmful and exclusive; when used, gender-neutral language, while not
perfect, can lead to positive results. If language usage is to change, it must pass
through gatekeepers and become encoded; gender-neutral language has had some
success in this regard. Many institutions have adopted gender-neutral guidelines, and
this dissertation explores the use of gender-neutral language in museums. Museums
themselves are powerful authorities that can encourage change; exhibition text is read
and interacted with by the public, and representation in museums contributes to
positive self-image. This representation should extend to self-identification in
museums’ language through use of inclusive text.
The key questions explored in this dissertation were if museums are using
gender-neutral language, and if so, why. Through an exploratory case study, three
staff members of the British Museum were interviewed and internal documents
produced by the British Museum were examined; direct analysis was applied to their
interviews and the documents. The case study was grounded in current feminist
language theory, museum text theory and language theory.
The results suggest that for gender-neutral language to be used in museums,
those in charge of the production of text (the gatekeepers of language in museums)
must be actively pursuing using gender-neutral language in the museum space. The
likelihood of gender-neutral language being used may be increased by the presence of
an interpretation team whose stated purpose is audience advocacy. Choosing to use
gender-neutral language does not change the narrative a museum presents, but as
word choice influences the story told, use of gender-neutral language does in fact
impact the version of history endorsed and shared by museums.