First Advisor

Karina Bjork

Date of Award

Summer 8-8-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication and University Honors

Department

Communication

Language

English

Subjects

linguistic relativity, gendered language, academia, nonbinary, intersectionality

DOI

10.15760/honors.1599

Abstract

This study explores experiences of gendered language in use in academia among two marginalized groups: women and those identifying beyond the gender binary. Guided by the theory of linguistic relativity this study attempts to understand specific ways in which gendered language, including generic language may show up and contrasted within these groups. While this data is not generalizable, the findings indicate that both women and nonbinary students experience binary pronoun use in written formats such as syllabi. However, nonbinary students describe more negative feelings associated with this experience. We also noted participants' gender identities intersecting with other identities, leading to a need for further research into how intersecting identities could change how these groups experience language within academic spaces.

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In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/42539

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