ABSTRACT
Language reformers, such as feminists and PC advocates, must consider that changing language will change society by changing our thought patterns. Feminist speakers of grammatical gender languages like French and German have argued for increased feminization, while English speakers promote neutralization. The polarization is present in stereotypes about women’s and men’s use of language. Feminist language reform proposals have often been resisted by ridicule. Humorous language, like any language, depends upon context for understanding. For feminists to study language may appear a luxury given the many life-threatening practices which women face world-wide: sexual slavery, profound fundamentalist misogyny, battery, rape, genital mutilation and womanslaughter. Language reform has the merit of raising awareness about the power of language to marginalize and insult social groups.
