A Study of Gender-Based Terms of Address in Chinese

Abstract

Language is a symbolic system and one of the most important tools for human communication. It is an integral part of society and culture and exerts a significant influence on both. Language not only reflects various social phenomena but also mirrors cultural development. Gender discrimination has a long history in cultural traditions, with the patriarchal social ideology deeply ingrained. Whether in developed Western countries or in China, with its five-thousand-year cultural heritage, the prevalence and continuity of gender discrimination are reflected to varying degrees in language. A title is a term used in a specific linguistic context to address another person's name or status, and it has widespread application in social life. Once a common term of address is used in specific communicative activities, it carries rich social connotations. The terms "male" and "female" are a pair of contradictory yet equal concepts, and they are also equal in terms of gender distinction. However, the use of Chinese honorifics has given rise to some interesting phenomena of gender discrimination. The gender discrimination referred to in this study primarily refers to discrimination against women. By exploring honorifics throughout history, this study analyzes the causes of gender discrimination in Chinese honorifics from both social and psychological perspectives.