A cultural archive is a collection of documents that reflects the history of an organization, institution, community, culture, or society. These collections can include written records such as diaries, correspondence, minutes of meetings, publications, newspapers, magazines, catalogues, photographs, postcards, paintings, drawings, maps, blueprints, films, videos, sound recordings, digital files, etc. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in preserving these materials for future generations because they provide valuable insights into past cultures, traditions, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and attitudes. One area of concern for many archivists is language related to gender, which includes terms such as 'man', 'woman', 'male', 'female', 'he/she', 'his/hers', etc. This article will discuss how cultural archives preserve this type of language and what challenges archivists face when doing so.
How do cultural archives preserve gendered language?
To preserve gendered language in their collections, archivists must identify it in all forms of material. They may find it in handwritten notes, printed text, audio recordings, video footage, and other formats. Once identified, they need to decide whether to digitize the media or keep it in its original format. Digitizing allows for easy access and searchability but can alter the original meaning or context of words. Keeping media in its original format ensures accuracy but limits public accessibility. Next, archivists must determine if the gendered language should be preserved as-is or changed. Some argue that changing gendered terms is necessary to reflect current social norms, while others believe it's important to maintain historical authenticity.
The process of preserving gendered language also involves developing guidelines and protocols for describing the collection items. These guidelines specify how to refer to people, objects, concepts, and events using gendered terms and avoid using sexist language.
A guideline might state that 'man' refers to men only or that 'women's clothing' should be used instead of 'feminine clothes'.
Archives should consider donor agreements when preserving gendered language. Many donors want their materials to remain intact, including any gendered language. Archivists must balance these wishes with their own values and policies. They may request permission from donors to edit or change certain terms or refuse to accept them altogether.
Preserving gendered language requires careful consideration of historical context, cultural norms, technological advancements, and legal issues.
Challenges of preserving gendered language
Despite the importance of preserving gendered language, several challenges arise. First, there are conflicting views on what constitutes offensive or acceptable language. Second, some languages lack a clear distinction between masculine and feminine genders, making it difficult to identify which words apply to whom. Third, not all collections have accurate metadata (information about the contents) that clearly identifies gendered terms. Fourth, digitizing media can change the meaning or context of words, especially if done incorrectly.
Some donors object to having their materials edited or changed in any way. To address these challenges, archivists must engage in open dialogue with stakeholders and use best practices for describing and preserving material.
Cultural archives play an important role in preserving our collective history by ensuring that past cultures, traditions, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and attitudes are accessible to future generations. One aspect of this process is preserving gendered language accurately and appropriately. This involves identifying, digitizing, describing, and modifying materials as needed while considering various viewpoints and challenges. By following best practices and engaging with stakeholders, archivists can ensure that gendered language remains intact while reflecting current social norms and scientific findings.
How do cultural archives preserve language related to gender?
Cultural archives, including museums, libraries, historical sites, and other institutions, can play an important role in preserving linguistic heritage that is related to gender. They collect artifacts such as books, newspapers, magazines, films, photographs, and personal documents, which may contain words, phrases, and images associated with different genders.