Author:

Abstract

Award for Best Conference Paper

2018 Northwest Undergraduate Conference in the Humanities

This paper provides brief summation of the methods transphobia are embodied through language and what the logical, moral, and business implications would be for a Christian University. In this paper, Adi McNally (who uses they/them pronouns) explores whether there is both scientific and theological weight behind transphobic and gendered language choices. They connect the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis of linguistic relativity to discussions around epicene pronouns and English grammatical development. Their argument explores writings from Doctors Lawrence Mayer and Paul McHugh, and its impact on traditionally conservative Christian thought. Further, they discuss alternative Christian viewpoints and how the core tenets of the Christian argue the necessity of gender-neutral and gender-conscious language.

Faculty Sponsor: D. Berton Emerson

Keywords: LGBTQIA+, transgender, Christian universities, Sapir Whorf Hypothesis, linguistic relativity, non-binary