Mapping trajectories of change – women’s and men’s practices and experiences of feminist linguistic reform in Australia

TLDR

The study evaluates feminist language planning in Australia. The authors use case studies of self‑identified reformers and non‑sexist users to develop a trajectory framework that maps users’ first contact with gender bias, their responses and practices, and their perceived agency in promoting change. The analysis uncovers narratives of both resistance/empowerment and powerlessness/oppression, indicating that feminist linguistic reform is interpreted and iterated in multiple complex ways.

Abstract

In this paper we address the issue of the evaluation of feminist language planning in Australia. Through case studies of some self-identified linguistic reformers and non-sexist language users we present a ‘trajectory’ framework for the exploration of evaluation as part of the language planning cycle. We map the users’ trajectories of change through documenting their ‘first contact’ with gender bias in language ( an initiating trajectory), their responses, practices and actions in relation to this ( a trajectory of practice) and their perceived roles in bringing about, facilitating and spreading change ( a trajectory of agency). This documentation reveals narratives of resistance and empowerment through engagement with change in the context of dominant discourses but sometimes also of powerlessness and oppression through rejection and opposition. The outcomes of this analysis suggest multiple and complex interpretations and iterations of feminist linguistic reform evidenced through the mapping of trajectories.