230008 Queering Gender: Queer Linguistics (BS) (SoSe 2014)

The term “queer” is generally applied to non-heterosexual and/or nonheteronormative
gender minorities. Queer linguistics is concerned with the language
that is used by members of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and
queer) community. Often also called Lavender Linguistics, it investigates a wide
variety of language practices found in the language used by LGBTQ speakers, from
written and spoken language in general to specific features like pronunciation or
LGBTQ-specific lexicon.

William Leap, Professor at the American University in Washington, DC, is one of the
leading specialists in queer linguistics. The co-editor of the Journal of Language and
Sexuality and three-time prize winner of the American Anthropological Association’s
Ruth Benedict Award draws on many years of experience in the field. His studies’
main field of attention is the language used by gay men, however in recent years his
research interests spread more and more to topics that also include various
sociological and political issues. Recent publications include works on language,
sexuality and globalization as well as the language used by people suffering from
AIDS.

In this one-week seminar, Professor Leap will share his profound background
knowledge in anthropology and sociolinguistics with the Summer School participants
and give an extensive introduction to the multifaceted field of queer linguistics.

Bibliography

Introductory reading:
Leap, William (2003). “Language and gendered modernity,” in: The Handbook of
Language and Gender. Janet Holmes and Miriam Meyerhoff, eds. London:
Blackwells, 401-422.
Leap, William (2008). "Queering gay men’s English,” in: Language and Gender
Research Methodologies. Kate Harrington, Lia Litosseliti, Helen Sauntson, and Jane
Sunderland, eds. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 408-429.
Leap, William (1996). Word’s Out: Gay Men’s English. Minneapolis: University of
Minnesota Press.