Asian Englishes

Ripple Effects: The Case Of Gender-Inclusive Language

(continued from previous page)

Appendix 1

QUESTIONNAIRE

 

In recent years, concern has arisen that females may be excluded when words such as "mankind", "chairman", and "he" are used to refer to both males and females. Some people believe that this is an important issue and changes should be made in English. Other people, however, feel that no changes are needed and/or that it is not an important issue.

We would appreciate your honest responses about this topic. This questionnaire is purely for research purposes and will not affect your marks in any way. Do not write your name on this questionnaire.

Thank you very much for your help.

 

Definitions

Gender-exclusive refers to language in which words specifically referring to males only are used to include both males and females, e.g., fireman, chairman, he/his (A student should be paid for his work).

Gender-inclusive refers to language in which both men and women are included, e.g., firefighter, chairperson, he/she or their (A student should be paid for his/her or their work).

 

SECTION 1

Please circle the appropriate response.

1 Have you heard about the issue of language and gender before?

a Yes

b No

Comments______________________________________________________

2 What has been the typical policy of your past teachers at primary and secondary school concerning the issue of Gender-exclusive and Gender-inclusive English?

a Generally taught Gender-exclusive

b Generally taught Gender-inclusive

c Generally said either was acceptable

d I don't remember the issue ever came up

Comments______________________________________________________

 

3 What has been the typical policy of your past teachers at Junior College concerning the issue of Gender-exclusive and Gender-inclusive English?

a Generally taught Gender-exclusive

b Generally taught Gender-inclusive

c Generally said either was acceptable

d I don't remember the issue ever came up

Comments______________________________________________________

 

4 In your own writing, which do you use more frequently?

a Gender-exclusive

b Gender-inclusive

c I don't remember

Why?__________________________________________________________

5 Do you believe that Gender-exclusive English is unfair to females? Please select one answer - Yes or No

a Yes

Why do you believe this?

______________________________________________________________

b No

Why do you believe this?

_____________________________________

 

SECTION 2

 

1 Sex Female_________ Male_________


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