ABSTRACT
The language research in relation to gender has remained on the important topic in linguistics. Lots of linguists who show interest in this field have done many deep and profound researches. Language, a mirror of the real world, could give us a reflection of social customs and values. And the proverbs, the essence of language, are actually a concentration of culture. The thesis aims at specializing in sex discrimination reflected in the English proverbs from the feminist perspective.
Combined with some researches on sexism in English proverbs by scholars home and abroad, the thesis firstly points out the meanings and features of proverbs and sexism. And then the thesis explains the manifestations of sexism through a study of the proverbs applied in English from five aspects: character, words and deeds, ability and wisdom, marriage and social status. Then the thesis has also investigated into the causes of sexism from three aspects: history, culture, society. Through the research on English proverbs, the thesis tries to reveal the sex bias against women in language, and find out solutions to help people reduce and eliminate the sexism in the daily expressions. Finally, the thesis points out the development trend of sexism in English proverbs.
Keywords:English proverbs; sexism; manifestation; causes; development trend
Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Definitions of proverb and sexism 4
2.1 Definition of proverb 4
2.2 Definition of sexism 6
3. Manifestations of sexism in English proverbs 7
3.1 Manifestations of sexism in the proverbs about character 7
3.2 Manifestations of sexism in the proverbs about words and deeds 8
3.3 Manifestations of sexism in the proverbs about ability and wisdom 8
3.4 Manifestations of sexism in the proverbs about marriage 9
3.5 Manifestations of sexism in the proverbs about social status 10
4. Causes of sexism in the English proverbs 11
4.1 Historical reasons 11
4.2 Cultural origin 11
4.3 Social factors 12
5. Development trend of sexism in the English proverbs 14
6. Conclusion 15
Acknowledgements 16
References 17