What is an example of marked language or spotlighting?

Marked language or spotlighting refers to the practice of emphasizing a person's gender in a context where it is typically unnecessary or irrelevant, which can reinforce stereotypes or make differences more salient. The choice of using "male nurse" exemplifies marked language because it highlights the gender of the nurse when it is typical in many contexts to simply refer to a nurse without mentioning their gender. This not only suggests that being a nurse is an atypical role for a man but also draws unnecessary attention to the gender of the individual, which can perpetuate gender stereotypes.

In contrast, referring to a politician as a congressperson is an example of using inclusive or gender-neutral language, which does not spotlight gender. Asking for a firefighter without specifying gender also reflects the use of gender-neutral terms, while using gender-neutral job titles focuses on inclusivity rather than marking gender.