Many languages genderise words, French and German are obvious examples. Even
in English we assign genders to words and concepts, like ships are always
female (even warships, though we may think of 'war' as more 'male'). Earth is
often female, as in motherland, fire is more male.
I am interested in how we see other words, concepts, as female/male. As a
sort of straw poll, I'd be interested in what words, verbs, nouns, adverbs,
adjectives, that refer to abstract or non-living concepts, that we see as
being female or male.
Any words you send in, I will categorise and put results here in a few weeks.
Many thanks, Hillary
Hillary Shaw, School of Geography, University of Leeds.
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