"the Nonsexist Word Finder: A Dictionary Of Gender-free Usage"
BOOK REVIEW
"The Nonsexist Word Finder: A Dictionary of Gender-Free Usage"
by Rosalio Maggio, Beacon Press 1989
It takes little effort to float through a conversation unaware of the multiplicity of meanings attached to each word we casually and thoughtlessly spew forth. The task of speaking, writing , or even thinking in a way that is precisely representative of what we are trying to communicate is enormously, and often overwhelmingly more difficult. It is with this sort of acute awareness of the complexity of language that Rosalie Maggio's "The Nonsexist Word Finder" defines, replaces, and suggests alternatives to trite and overused, sexist words and phrases.
The book is divided into two essential parts: the alphabetical dictionary and the appendices. The dictionary lists sexist words and phrases, as well as words that are ambiguous or, although not inherently sexist, often used in sexist contexts. Each sexist entry is immediately followed by one or more nonsexist alternatives. For example:
man-hours: worker/work/working/staff/labor/operator/typist hours, hours of work, labor, time.
nurture: both men and women can nurture.
virgin/virginity: use for both men and women. Be sensitive to the double standard that still expects virginity or at least some measure of virginal behavior from women while rewarding men in subtle and unsubtle ways for being experienced.
The appendices consist of writing guidelines and essays on nonsexist language. Included are definitions of terms such as "inclusive" and "false generic"; general rules for using gender-free language; and readings, one of which gives 14 ways to avoid the sexist singular.
One of the strong points of this book is that it assumes nothing about the reader. In the foreword, Casey Miller and Kate Swirt explain, "[Maggio's] objective is not to impose her point of view on others, but to assist people at their own leveis of understanding and commitment to enunciate theirs." A person may thus use the book to help completely omit any sexist language they use or merely to further their understanding of the history of sexist language.
Another strength of this book is it gives logical explanations for using nonsexist language. It then shows how this language can be used effectively and inoffensively. Take, for example, the quote used in the section of Appendix A entitled "Accuracy and Realistic Writing":
"People are beginning to realize that non-sexist language is more than a token gesture of good will to feminists. It is a matter of accurate communication."
Maggio goes on to explain how inclusive language is "logical, accurate, and realistic... exclusive language is not." She uses familiar examples and explains how they affect our understanding of the language.
It is important to remember that this is a reference book. The 205-page dictionary is a tool for developing language to avoid sexism, but it will probably ignite the curiosity of many to seek out more information on the subject. The bibliography is a good place to start. Undoubtedly, the book will help everyone become more conscious of the intricate meanings and effects of the words we use.