Presentation Type
Oral/Paper Presentation
Abstract
Historically, linguists view etymology as a distorted and frivolous practice. In the past, Etymology was used irresponsibly to devalue current usage. Etymology reveals the formation of words over time, providing context for language’s current meaning. The history of words, their etymology, has created the words we use today, curating present usage. Words are not simply signs but formed symbols with significance and history. The association of the English language with structures of power, and its firmly rooted context in a patriarchal culture has resulted in limited access to linguistic study for women. A history of patriarchal influence does not make English unusable for the non-masculine speaker, but indicates that English’s history must be examined, and overlooked categories of linguistic study, like etymology, can facilitate this process. Through a discussion of etymology, the paper explores how English’s position as a masculine centered language does not arise inherently, but rather manifests through the intervention of a particular group of speakers.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Jan Harris
Recommended Citation
Redling, Renae, "Etymolgy and Phallocentrism" (2025). Student Scholar Symposium. 189.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/student_scholars_symposium/2025/Full_schedule/189
Included in
Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, History of Gender Commons, Modern Languages Commons, Women's History Commons
Etymolgy and Phallocentrism
Historically, linguists view etymology as a distorted and frivolous practice. In the past, Etymology was used irresponsibly to devalue current usage. Etymology reveals the formation of words over time, providing context for language’s current meaning. The history of words, their etymology, has created the words we use today, curating present usage. Words are not simply signs but formed symbols with significance and history. The association of the English language with structures of power, and its firmly rooted context in a patriarchal culture has resulted in limited access to linguistic study for women. A history of patriarchal influence does not make English unusable for the non-masculine speaker, but indicates that English’s history must be examined, and overlooked categories of linguistic study, like etymology, can facilitate this process. Through a discussion of etymology, the paper explores how English’s position as a masculine centered language does not arise inherently, but rather manifests through the intervention of a particular group of speakers.