How to avoid sexist language

1. 1

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Sexist language uses stereotypes and reflects language
that is inappropriate.
It uses language that unnecessarily identifies gender.
Examples:
“A professor should correct his students' papers according
to this set of predetermined guidelines”.
“Are there any freshmen who would like to work in the
Writing Center?”
“The stewardess served the chicken picatta to the
pompous gentleman”.

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Use plural nouns:
“A professor should correct his students' papers
according to this set of predetermined guidelines”.
Use “They” and “Their” with singular reference:
“A professor should correct his students' papers
according to this set of predetermined guidelines”.
Avoid terms that are inherently sexist, such as
“mankind” and “stewardess”.
Use genderless titles whenever possible.
If you are speaking of a single
hypothetical individual, use person instead of man:
“ A congressman had a heated debate with the PM”
“Professors should correct their students' papers
according to this set of predetermined guidelines”.
“A professor should correct their students' papers
according to this set of predetermined guidelines”.
“The flight attendant served the chicken picatta to
the pompous gentleman”.
“ A congress person / member of the congress had a
heated debate with the PM”

4. actress -> actor
stewardess -> flight attendant
anchorman/anchorwoman
-> anchor
businessman/businesswoman
-> businessperson
chairman/chairwoman
-> chair person / chair
congressman -> member of
congress / congress person
craftsman -> artisan
deliveryman –> courier
fireman -> firefighter
freshman -> first year student
handyman -> maintenance person
headmaster -> principal
heroine -> hero
housewife -> homemaker
maid -> house cleaner
doorman -> door attendent
statesman -> statesperson
Barman/barwoman -> bartender
mailman -> mail carrier
mankind -> humanity
master -> expert
masterpiece –> great work of art
Miss / Mrs. -> Ms.
mother tongue -> native
language/first language
spokesman/spokeswoman
-> spokesperson
waitress/waiter -> server / table
attendant
policeman -> police officer/officer
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5. 1. Shannon was hoping a doctor would give his opinion.
2. The authoress, Mary Higgins Clark, hosted a book signing at Barnes and
Noble.
3. From the beginning of time, mankind used horses in one way or
another.
4. When a student writes a paper, he must proofread it carefully.
5. Who dropped his ticket?
Somebody left his sweater.
6. Successful businessmen understand how to negotiate good deals.
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