Lexical choices and the construction of gender in Malaysian children's literature
The process children go through when learning about gender roles is an essential part of their knowledge construction. This acquired knowledge helps them learn about their roles in society. However, problems occur when children are presented with stereotypical constructions of masculinity and femini...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia
2010
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| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15451/ http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15451/1/Lexical%20choices%20and%20the%20construction%20of%20gender%20in%20Malaysian%20children.pdf |
| _version_ | 1848842681056231424 |
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| author | Nair, Ramesh Talif, Rosli |
| author_facet | Nair, Ramesh Talif, Rosli |
| author_sort | Nair, Ramesh |
| building | UPM Institutional Repository |
| collection | Online Access |
| description | The process children go through when learning about gender roles is an essential part of their knowledge construction. This acquired knowledge helps them learn about their roles in society. However, problems occur when children are presented with stereotypical constructions of masculinity and femininity that may inhibit their development. Thus, children's literature must be evaluated to uncover gendered messages. While overtly sexist messages in children's stories can be easily identified, the more subtle nuances of language require careful analysis. This paper begins by stressing the urgent need to evaluate Malaysian children's literature published in the English language. By distinguishing between "overt" and "covert" sexism in children's literature, we argue that the role of language in messages about gender identity in children's literature must be emphasised. Based on a selection of Malaysian children's literature, we attempt an analysis of lexical items that construct gender roles and identities, and we use computer-based programmes to reveal how power relations are established between males and females. |
| first_indexed | 2025-11-15T08:02:59Z |
| format | Article |
| id | upm-15451 |
| institution | Universiti Putra Malaysia |
| institution_category | Local University |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2025-11-15T08:02:59Z |
| publishDate | 2010 |
| publisher | Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia |
| recordtype | eprints |
| repository_type | Digital Repository |
| spelling | upm-154512016-11-03T05:45:59Z http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15451/ Lexical choices and the construction of gender in Malaysian children's literature Nair, Ramesh Talif, Rosli The process children go through when learning about gender roles is an essential part of their knowledge construction. This acquired knowledge helps them learn about their roles in society. However, problems occur when children are presented with stereotypical constructions of masculinity and femininity that may inhibit their development. Thus, children's literature must be evaluated to uncover gendered messages. While overtly sexist messages in children's stories can be easily identified, the more subtle nuances of language require careful analysis. This paper begins by stressing the urgent need to evaluate Malaysian children's literature published in the English language. By distinguishing between "overt" and "covert" sexism in children's literature, we argue that the role of language in messages about gender identity in children's literature must be emphasised. Based on a selection of Malaysian children's literature, we attempt an analysis of lexical items that construct gender roles and identities, and we use computer-based programmes to reveal how power relations are established between males and females. Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia 2010 Article PeerReviewed application/pdf en http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15451/1/Lexical%20choices%20and%20the%20construction%20of%20gender%20in%20Malaysian%20children.pdf Nair, Ramesh and Talif, Rosli (2010) Lexical choices and the construction of gender in Malaysian children's literature. Kajian Malaysia, 28 (2). pp. 137-159. ISSN 0127-4082; ESSN: 2180-4273 http://web.usm.my/km/vol28_2_2010.html |
| spellingShingle | Nair, Ramesh Talif, Rosli Lexical choices and the construction of gender in Malaysian children's literature |
| title | Lexical choices and the construction of gender in Malaysian children's literature |
| title_full | Lexical choices and the construction of gender in Malaysian children's literature |
| title_fullStr | Lexical choices and the construction of gender in Malaysian children's literature |
| title_full_unstemmed | Lexical choices and the construction of gender in Malaysian children's literature |
| title_short | Lexical choices and the construction of gender in Malaysian children's literature |
| title_sort | lexical choices and the construction of gender in malaysian children's literature |
| url | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15451/ http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15451/ http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15451/1/Lexical%20choices%20and%20the%20construction%20of%20gender%20in%20Malaysian%20children.pdf |