The Influence of Feminist Criticism of Language Usage over Legislation and Language of Politics in German-speaking Countries Cover Image

Wpływ feministycznej krytyki języka na ustawodawstwo i język polityki w krajach niemieckojęzycznych
The Influence of Feminist Criticism of Language Usage over Legislation and Language of Politics in German-speaking Countries

Author(s): Zbigniew Bierzyński
Subject(s): Politics, Language and Literature Studies, Gender Studies
Published by: KSIĘGARNIA AKADEMICKA Sp. z o.o.
Keywords: feminism; politics; legislation; gender-neutral German language; influence;

Summary/Abstract: In this article it is assumed that the feminist criticism of language usage had a significant influence over legislation and language of politics in German speaking countries, especially in Germany and Austria. This phenomenon is present for example in the General Act on Equal Treatment, the Austrian Federal Equal Treatment Act, the General Act of city Wädenswil in Switzerland, statements of German and Austrian political parties and politicians. This impact is shown in specific examples of law texts and statements of politicians. Furthermore, the aim of this article is to present the key points of feminist criticism of German language usage and the key ideas of language respecting both genders (die geschlechtergerechte Sprache) or gender neutral language (die geschlechtsneutrale Sprache).

  • Issue Year: 2018
  • Issue No: 2 (11)
  • Page Range: 61-76
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Polish