Final answer:
Substituting 'flight attendant' for 'steward' or 'stewardess' reflects the use of gender-neutral language that promotes inclusivity and reduces language bias. It aligns with efforts to eliminate discriminatory practices in language and mirrors societal changes toward respect and equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
When speakers substitute the word “flight attendant” for “stewardess” or “steward,” they are using language that is gender-neutral. The evolution of language to include terms that are not gender-specific serves to reduce bias and promote inclusivity. Historically, occupations have often included gendered connotations that are now being replaced with titles that do not imply a specific gender. For instance, sexist language encompasses using a word that includes only one gender, and its avoidance is part of the broader effort to use bias-free language that does not exclude or demean people on the basis of sex, gender, and other characteristics.
In addition to being more inclusive, gender-neutral language also aligns with the ongoing cultural shift towards recognizing and eliminating language that perpetuates stereotypes or biases. This aligns with the patterns identified by linguists and scholars such as Robin Lakoff, who analyzed the role of gender in conversational dynamics and the empowerment associated with certain speech forms. By adopting terms like “flight attendant,” professionals and laypersons alike contribute to a more equal and less discriminatory society, both in and outside of professional contexts such as the global airline industry.
It is also worth noting that the change in language reflects broader societal changes where there is an increasing recognition of the value of diversity and an attempt to foster respect and equality across different groups. This is evident worldwide, not only in English but across various cultures, where marginalized languages and vernaculars are given new spaces and celebrated for their unique contributions.