First Year Hon. Mention: So, Like, What’s With All the Sexism? Young Women Are Linguistic Leaders

WRIT 1700B, Writing: Process and Practice. CD: Dunja Baus.

Abstract

“So, Like, What's With All the Sexism?” is an outstanding example of a persuasive essay. The author compellingly argues that while language is constantly evolving, it is women’s anomalous speech and language patterns that are driving this change forward. By doing so, they illustrate that despite this drive forward in the evolution of speech patterns, women are negatively perceived for such individualistic speech patterns such as uptalk and vocal fry. The writer then continues by breaking down the inherent sexist perceptions in the dominant and institutionalized language systems. They demonstrate through carefully chosen research and citations how women (being the main caregivers for children) pass down these speech patterns to the next generation, who in turn further evolve the language through their own innovations. The author’s use of multiple voices showcases the individual speech patterns described in the essay: their unique writing style and compelling code-switching demonstrates how speech patterns can influence public perception, especially for women as they are a marginalized social group.

As the paper continues, the writer deftly switches from an academic style to a more colloquial style throughout the piece to demonstrate how women use these unique speech patterns, and then seamlessly transitions back to an academic voice and register to defend their argument. By weaving their personal struggles into an engaging narrative that helps ground the story, the author encourages the reader to rethink preconceived notions of language homogeneity. Finally, the essayist emboldens the reader to assert their individuality in their speech patterns and exert their own creative use of language- as it just may be the future of language.