Language and Gender: Investigating the Representation of Chinese Women in Mandarin Slang and Its Implications for Professional Communication (1970s-1990s)

Abstract

This study highlights the role of language and slang in perpetuating cultural attitudes and gender roles and the need for a more positive and inclusive representation of women in language. This study examines the representation of Chinese women in Mandarin slang from the 1970s to the 1990s and its impact on business and professional communication. Employing qualitative methods, such as interviews and documents review, the research explores how the portrayal of women through Mandarin slang affected their participation and perception in the professional sphere. The findings reveal that most slang vocabulary used during this era carried negative connotations. Historical and cultural contexts, political events, and personal opinions and attitudes influenced the representation of women in Mandarin slang. The prevalence of negative expressions reinforced cultural expectations for women to conform to traditional gender roles and moral codes. In contrast, the limited use of positive and neutral expressions indicated evolving cultural attitudes. This study underscores the role of language and slang in perpetuating cultural attitudes and gender roles in professional contexts, emphasizing the need for a more positive and inclusive representation of women in language to foster greater gender equality in business and professional environments.