Conference Paper by Eva Mikuska and Andre Kurowski

Language and gender: Early Childhood Studies students voice

Dr Eva Mikuska: University of Portsmouth, and Dr Andre Kurowski: University of Chichester

Abstract

Students are entering university with contemporary meanings and beliefs around the use of gender related language that could challenge the traditional interpretation and understanding of gender. Thus, the topic of gender and language is an attractive topic to engage with students’ and to involve them into a debate. This qualitative research was carried out on Early Childhood Studies students, both traditional and non-traditional, by means of self-directed focus groups. The aims were to listen to students voices to find out their views on the language of gender diversity, the variability of gender, and the extent to which language can reflect, create, and shape gender identity. It was argued that with increasing global awareness of gender diversity, the findings of this research offer the ways in which students learn, interpret, use, and understand the language of gender.

Keywords: undergraduate students, self-directed focus group, gender, language

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