Language planning, language reform and the sexes in Australia

This paper deals with the phenomena of linguistic sexism and non-sexist language reform (feminist language planning) in the Australian context. It surveys Australian work on linguistic sexism and discusses various aspects of non-sexist language reform in Australia. Particular emphasis is placed on problematic issues relating to feminist language planning, i.e. the selection and evaluation of non-sexist alternatives and the implementation mechanisms for this type of reform. Linguistic change resulting from the reform initiatives and its spread throughout the community is also described briefly.