Key facts
- The Dutch dictionary Dikke van Dale will add 'vulvalippen' to its online addition.
- Vulvalippen is a new, neutral term for labia, replacing 'schaamlippen' (shame lips).
- Campaigners aim to encourage doctors and officials to use the new term in consultations and leaflets.
- Similar campaigns have occurred in Germany and Sweden to update anatomical terms.
- Linguistics researcher Dr. Beth Malory emphasizes the importance of clear, understandable terminology.
The Dutch language is set to embrace a more neutral term for female anatomy, with the leading dictionary Dikke van Dale announcing the inclusion of 'vulvalippen' for labia. This move, expected in the dictionary's upcoming online addition, will place 'vulvalippen' alongside the traditional term 'schaamlippen', which translates to 'shame lips' or 'pubic lips'.
Campaigners, such as Shari Klein, a founder of the Schaamteloos campaign, argue that language significantly shapes self-perception and that neutral, anatomically correct terms are crucial. The goal is to move away from words that carry stigma and judgment, promoting sex positivity and reducing body shaming. Esther Van der Valk, associated with the feminist group Dolle Mina, sees the dictionary's inclusion as a sign that society is ready for such changes.
Ton den Boon, editor of Dikke van Dale, stated that 'vulvalippen' is being added due to its increasing establishment in media, biology textbooks, and medical leaflets. Similar efforts have been made in other countries; in Germany, journalists Gunda Windmüller and Mithu Sanyal initiated a petition for 'Vulvalippen' in 2018, inspired by gynecologists' accounts of women's shame when discussing their bodies. In Sweden, a campaign in 2009 led to the academic dictionary adopting 'slidkrans' (vaginal corona) to replace 'mödomshinna' (virginity membrane).
In the UK, feminist podcast host Nicola Denson-Elliott has started a petition to replace 'hysterectomy' with 'uterectomy', arguing the former is linguistically linked to 'hysteria'. However, linguistics researcher Dr. Beth Malory cautions that new terms must be clearly understood and integrated into the existing system to avoid ambiguity. She also highlights the impact of phrases like 'incompetent cervix' and 'failure to progress' on women's feelings during medical experiences, emphasizing the power of language to validate and recognize individuals.