Otto Jespersen: English language as masculine

Otto Jespersen: English language as masculine

Q. Why does Jespersen describe the English language as masculine?

Answer:

Otto Jespersen, who was a Danish linguist, described the English language as "masculine". He presented this idea in his book "Growth and Structure of the English Language" (1905). According to him, English language had grammatical and vocabulary qualities that match masculinity.

However, it is important to understand that Jespersen's views were influenced by the social thinking and gender roles of his time. At that time the qualities of male and woman were seen differently. This thinking shaped his language-analysis.

English grammar according to Jespersen

Jespersen said that the grammar of the English language matches male qualities.

He specifically pointed to the third person male pronoun (He, HIS).

In English, words like "He" and "His" are usually used to show a normal person, even if the particular gender is not known.

He believed that this inclination gives English a "masculine".

Strength and Control in Vocabulary

Jespersen also said that the terminology of the English language is full of words that reflect strength, rights and dominance.

For example, words like "Dominate," "Conquer," "Command".

With these words, Jespersen felt that English had an aggressive and powerful tendency, which he associated with masculine qualities.

Genderless nouns

Jespersen also noted that in English there is a lack of grammatical gender.

In languages ​​like French, Spanish, objects and nouns are divided into feminine or masculine form.

For example, in French "La Table" (feminine) and "Le Livre" (masculine).

But in English, words like "Table" or "Book" are gender free.

He said that it shows simplicity and straightforward - which according to him had masculine qualities.

Effect of social thinking

It is important that we understand Jespersen's words in the context of his time thinking.

At that time the idea about the penis was very traditional.

Men were considered strong, simple, and decisive, while women were considered soft and complex.

With this thinking, Jespersen tried to connect the language with masculine and feminine qualities.

Modern linguistics attitude

In today's time, linguistics do not consider such a gender-based classification.

Language is a grammatical feature, not a social or biological identity in the language.

The use of "he" in English may be common, but now the use of words like "they" is increasing.

The changes in the language are affected by society and culture and not from a certain gender.

Conclusion

Otto Jespersen described the English language as masculine because it was full of grammar simplicity, genderlessness and strong words.

He connected these characteristics to male qualities.

However, from a modern perspective, this idea was based on unilateral and timely thinking.

Today linguistics believes that language itself is not related to any gender.

Language relations with gender are socially formed, not natural.

Therefore, we should look at Jespersen's ideas from a historically, not as a permanent quality of language.

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👉 Semantic Changes | in English Language 

👉 French influence | on the English language 

👉 Interpellation: | an ideology of Marxism 

👉 Phallocentrism, | a discussion in the light of 'Feminism' 

👉 Feminism, | a concept in terms of Sex and Gender 

👉 Imperialism and Colonialism – | Postcolonial Studies