1. “The Struggle for Gender-Free Language: Is It Over Yet?” Author: Jane Rea Presenter: Inna Mil

2. Introduction What is gender-free language? Why is it important to write in gender-free language? What are the strategies involved in promoting gender-free language? What are some of the problems a person faces when trying to write in gender-free language?

3. Gender-Free Language Writing in such a way in which one’s content excludes the use of masculine pronouns (he or his) when referring to both males and females Example: Gender-Bias Language: Each doctor should send one of his nurses to the workshop Gender-Free Language: Each doctor should send a nurse to the workshop

4. Importance Of Gender-Free Language Masculine pronouns are not inclusive and will annoy readers Masculine pronouns are likely to stop most readers because they see it so seldom

5. Importance Of Gender-Free Language… Continued Issue of fairness is raised because using masculine pronouns exclude women Example: Each doctor should send one of his nurses to the workshop In this instance it is natural for the reader to immediately form an impression that the doctor is of a male gender

6. Strategies For Promoting Gender-Free Language Make the subject and verb plural with plural referents Example: editors or their editor use we or you instead of he use he or she as an actual reference of the persons gender use passive voice.

7. Strategies For Promoting Gender-Free Language…Continued Use neutral terms Example: police officer instead of police man layperson instead of layman representative or member of congress instead of congressman Additional Examples: fire fighter, flight attendant, sales clerk, mail carrier, weather forecaster

8. Difficulties Faced When Writing In Gender-Free Language Using plural referents may not always fit in with the surrounding text Other methods that are used to replace masculine pronouns may lead to imprecision and wordiness Some words in today’s language are difficult to free of gender bias Example: Craftsmanship

9. Conclusion Freeing language of gender bias is important because the use of masculine pronouns leaves the impression that the writer is referring to males rather than both genders Freeing language of gender bias is a work in progress

10. Conclusion…Continued Any Questions

11. Reference “Avoiding Gender Bias in Pronouns.” LEO 2005. 23 Oct 2007. “The Struggle for Gender-Free Language: Is It Over Yet?” EEI Press 2007. 23 Oct 2007. < http://www.eeicom.com/eye/gender. html>