First things first, I studied English literature in college and had to study books after books to learn the history of english language. I am not complaining but specifically it was not my favourite paper. And Amanda Montell here briefly tells us how the modern english came about in as few as what 5 pages? I mean like WHAHHHHHHH. And she actually basically sums up everything.
Anyway so yeah modern english is basicaly what evolved over time, just like humans. And the gist of it is, the language itself sometimes become casually sexist and not all-inclusive, which is basically the problem. This book is the solution.
I cannot sum it up for you here, and neither will I try. But at the same time I will mention how essential it is to actually understand how problematic it is to use words like slut and bitch and pussy and dick because while in the past it didn’t mean what it means today, it totally differs in meaning today. What happened? Over time, the language changed just like they stopped using ain’t and nought and thee and thou. But technically it is right to use all those words too. How? READ THE BOOK! I am not the author, why should I tell you everything here. The book isn’t just about how slangs work today, it includes the pronouns factor or including LGBTQ and how standards for men and women differ.
If you think about it, they are just small things but then why should they remain. Why? Why should someone who don’t identfy as men go through different standards? Why should men tell that periods are or aren’t a big problem? Why can they mansplain? How can one assume sex is a key factor for only one gender? Why should language itself be masculine? How can someone get to dehumanise someone else? Who gave them the right to interrupt me while I am speaking? Who gave them the right to be sexist?
So while actions are problematic, language is too. And while words and grammar may change over time, something which is not acceptable today, maybe in the future. Being conscious of how it affects our society is the only way to it.
A MUST READ!
Aesthetic Miradh 
nice to read your post. How are you Moushmi
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“If you think about it, they are just small things but then why should they remain. Why?”
Because, as horrid as some words are, to lose the ability to use words is the loss of freedom. Orwell illustrates this in 1984: (from wiki)
“Newspeak is a controlled language of simplified grammar and restricted vocabulary designed to limit the individual’s ability to think and articulate “subversive” concepts such as personal identity, self-expression and free will.[2] Such concepts are criminalized as thoughtcrime since they contradict the prevailing Ingsoc orthodoxy.”
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I think that for no reason should the use of certain words be restricted. Its use must be respected, otherwise we will lose the ability to express ourselves freely.
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Language is a powerful tool and must be used with discretion. Thank you for this recommendation.
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certainly sounds interesting, language is indeed powerful as Sonia says! And I can only control what I write or say … if I disagree with another I can argue but most don’t respond well to that … then I can walk away.
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This sounds interesting 🙂
The title of the book got my attention.
So many questions here, let me read the book and let you know what I feel about these questions.
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Do let me know how you like the book.
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surely 🙂
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