THE CATEGORY OF GENDER IN THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE AND ITS ABSENCE IN ENGLISH

Abstract

The category of gender in English differs significantly from that in many other languages, such as Russian, because it is expressed mainly through pronouns and lexical means rather than grammatical agreement. In modern English, gender is reflected in personal and possessive pronouns, certain noun suffixes, and gender-specific lexical items. However, contemporary social changes and the growing emphasis on gender equality have strongly influenced the development of the language. Modern English increasingly favors gender-neutral vocabulary, especially in professional and social contexts, in order to promote inclusiveness and avoid discrimination. Occupational terms containing gender markers, such as actress and waitress, are often replaced by neutral alternatives like actor and server. This tendency demonstrates the dynamic relationship between language and society, showing how linguistic norms adapt to cultural and social transformations.