ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on views that bring together ideas from a number of linguists who are also feminists. They are views from inside, and convey a sense of oppressiveness that women themselves, those most sensitive to language problems, believe exists in our linguistic heritage. Sexism in language grows less as women are accepted more, in roles that men have traditionally occupied. This is a safe historical prediction, but it comes about by applying pressures, of which awareness of stereotypes and protest against them is one. In long run, reducing asymmetry will take the form of women laying equal claim to masculine characteristics in language, rather than the deliberate neutering of sex markers. Male forms are esteemed by both sexes better for self-respect that goes with independence; the 'feminine whine' is not for today's professional women. The gun of sex-biased language may be rusty, but it is there, and greatest danger is unawareness that it is a gun, and is loaded.
