The Basketball Federation has announced that it will from now on use the term "Women's League," instead of "Lady's League." The announcement has caused controversy. Associate Professor Dr. Sevgi Ucan Cubukcu, who answered bianet's questions regarding the issue, said the word 'lady' is being used to avoid the distinction between 'woman' and 'girl.' But rather than, 'gentleman' the word 'man' is used. And the equivalent of man is woman, she said.

"The word 'lady' contains discrimination, not courtesy"

Cubukcu stated that with the word 'lady' the woman is being discriminated against historically, socially and culturally.

"The use of the word 'lady' is a result of patriarchal attitudes. Although 'lady' seems like a word that has a connotation of courtesy, in fact it is a discriminatory word, " said Cubukcu. She added that the words 'lady' and 'woman' are used by men to distinguish between women. "According to men, some women are worthy of being called a 'lady,' and others are not," said Cubukcu.

Language experts say "woman"

According to daily Radikal's report, Director Yunus Akgul of Youth and Sports Department says, both 'lady' and 'woman' are acceptable. Turkish Language Institution Director Prof. Dr. Sukru Haluk Akalin argues that the correct expression would be 'Women's League.' Language Association's President Sevgi Ozel says the correct word is 'woman.' "Since we say 'men's league,' we should then say 'women's league.' I find the word 'lady' a bit conservative," says Ozel.

The world says 'woman'

The insistence of the Volleyball Federation to say "Ladies' League" contradicts with international namings.  The International Volleyball Federation uses the word 'woman' not the word 'lady.' All international federations on football, basketball, gymnastics an tennis, use the word 'woman,' not 'lady.' (BT)