毕业设计（论文）An Analysis of Sexism in English Vocabulary.doc

Acknowledgements On the completion of my thesis, I wish to thank all those who have given me consistent help and great advice that have made this thesis possible. I would like to extend my great thanks and deepest gratitude to my tutor Professor Lu Ling who gave valuable instructions. Without her patience, shrewd comments, effective advice as well as quick corrections, many of the pitfalls of my thesis would have still remained and I even could not finish my thesis. It is her who encouraged and urged me to begin my research work as soon as possible. Her kindness and advice have kept the thesis in the right direction. I am greatly indebted to Professor Cao Lingjuan, Mr. Zeng Chuansheng, Mr. Chen chuanxian, Ms Bai Lifang, Professor Li Mengtao, Ms Li Fen and Mr. Lin Xu of School of Foreign Language of Hainan University. They have improved me in language skills and proficiency and have cultivated my great interest in English literature and western culture. During these four years, their encouragement, friendship and kindness have great impact on my study and life. Last but not least, I should thank all the teachers and staffs who have helped me a lot during these wonderful four years of my university life. Abstract In the process of human development, it is common in society that man is superior to woman, which is not only in power and wealth but also in use of vocabulary. Admittedly, English develops from the society in which males occupy the lead position, therefore it is inevitable that its vocabulary tends to the discrimination against females. And what is more under the influence of Bible, quite a lot of English etymologists created words through the notion of physiology, female social role and man is superior to woman etc. which makes sex difference of vocabulary institutionalized. Since the movement for women’s rights in 1960s, sexism in English vocabulary has always been an important issue which the feminists study on. Great effort has been done that feminists