Speaking Freely: Unlearning the Lies of the Fathers' Tongues

by Julia Penelope

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0080365558
• ISBN13: 9780080365558
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: Pergamon
• Length: 281 Pages
• Weight: 2.15 lbs.

Customer Reviews

In "Unlearning" you will be learning . . .

to become aware of how the English language is systematically structured such that it is among other things, sexist and racist. Julia Penelope presents us with material that we take for granted and things that we never even stop to think about or question. Her train of thoughts, arguments, and reasoning is put in such a way that you come away thinking, "I never realized this . . it is very true." She writes about how metaphors are set up and what they are based on, how racist and sexist the English language is, and most importantly she presents us with answers to questions such as, "In whose interest is it? For whom does this purpose serve? How and why is it set up this way, and who did it? What can we do to change it?" This book was required reading in my senior seminar when I was in college and it shocked and surprised me. I came across it recently cleaning out my closet (boy, am I glad I kept it!) and re-read it. This is the most important book I have ever read. It may shock and disturb you, but that's what needed in order to unlearn the things you were taught that are covertly sexist and/or oppressive in our language. Very powerful and thought-provoking; I urge everyone to read this book. It will change the way you think, and may even change your attitude and/or behavior. Very well done, Julia Penelope - thank you for writing and publishing this book.