DEVELOPMENT OF GENDER CONTROVERSY IN MODERN ENGLISH: PROJECTIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Abstract

Language also works as a mirror of social dynamics and cultural values, and its development is closely associated with societal changes. One of the significant examples of this phenomenon is the gender controversy in modern English. To analyze the gendered linguistic changes in English, with a focus on the evolving use of gender-neutral language and its implications is the aim of this article. A comprehensive overview of the development of the gender controversy and its current state is offered by examining the historical context, linguistic changes and impact on society as presented on social media with specific reference to the examples of modern English expressions in Pakistani context. Three types of data is analysed in this research in order to study the controversy. One type of data is the use of linguistic items on various social media platforms, the other is the use of hashtags that suggest the momentum of the movement for gender-neutral language and the third is the review of researches in order to track the evolutionary changes in gender controversy in modern English with specific focus on use of English in social media by Pakistanis. The findings of the study suggest that feminists have been successful to a great extent in making people realize the use of gender-neutral language to a certain extent. However, in Pakistani context, there is yet a long way to go because of the influence of traditions in a closely-knit society as that of Pakistan.

Keywords: Gender controversy; modern English; social media; gender-neutral language; linguistic changes