Sexist language and gender stereotyping do not only disparage, but can also lower the
dignity of one group of people, usually women/girls. If left unchecked, these negative
norms of behavior and attitude could be institutionalized and gradually become part of
our social and cultural code. Recent research findings indicate a strong presence of
gender bias and linguistic sexism in the language and content of educational materials
such as textbooks and practice books. This paper addresses linguistic sexism and gender
role stereotyping in Malaysian English language school textbooks. Specifically, it looks
at: If sexism is inculcated very early in life, how is it inculcated and what is inculcated?
Are our school textbooks indirectly and unconsciously functioning as a conduit for the
indoctrination and enforcement of sexism and sex role conformity among young
Malaysians? This paper presents the preliminary findings of an on-going research study
that documents the extent of gender bias and linguistic sexism in selected Malaysian
primary and secondary school English language textbooks
