Planning for a global lingua franca: challenges for feminist language planning in English(es) around the world

Abstract

In this paper I outline the challenges for feminist language planning in the context of a global lingua franca – English. Drawing upon the views of speakers of ‘World Englishes’ I discuss their reactions as well as reported practices in relation to gender-inclusive language use. This reveals the complexities of managing the tension between the ‘universal’ goals of feminism(s) and the myriad of local and cultural differences affecting in the social, economic and political positions of women.