Referring to nullpronomial people- a guide
Nullpronomial is when someone does not use any 3rd person pronouns (such as he, they, it, xe, thon, or bun).
In this guide I’ll give you examples on how to refer to these people using an example nullpronomial person named Max and random example pronomial people. This guide may also be useful for referring to pronomial people when their pronouns are unknown, or if you can’t use someone’s preferred pronouns but don’t want to misgender them.
1. Try to understand and respect the person’s identity as nullpronomial. Know that being nullpronomial is not “new” or “a trend”. Examples of historical nullpronomial figures include the Public Universal Friend, who lived from 1752 to 1819.
1. Actively think of what you’re going to say, and think of something else if that sentence requires pronouns. You can (should) also do this for pronomial (pronoun-using) trans people by thinking of things that use their correct pronouns.
2A. To think of something without pronouns, try to use a different sentence structure. The passive voice may be helpful. Sentences without pronouns are sometimes longer or more complicated than those with pronouns, but not always. Remember that your sentence-building possibilities are endless due to the nature of language and think creatively. Ex: “I just looked at thon, and thon’s pretty” becomes “I just looked at that person, who is pretty” or the simpler “I just looked at that pretty person”.
2B. If the sentence requires pronouns and you can’t think of something else, use the person’s name instead of pronouns. Ex: “I just talked to him” becomes “I just talked to Max”.
3. Often it will be easier to use a combination of steps 2A and 2B in your sentences. Ex: “It is named Rot, and chose the name itself” becomes “The person is named Max, and personally chose the name”. Another example is “She looked at her face in the hand-mirror” becomes “Max looked back at the same face in the hand-mirror”.
4. Remember that it’s alright to mess up. You’re learning a new way to refer to someone, and it can seem hard at first. If you make a mistake, apologize quickly, correct yourself, and move on. Most people will forgive you for referring to them incorrectly as long as it was unintentional and you try to be better in the future. Don’t give up!! Over time and with practice, your new talent of referring to people without using pronouns will get easier.
5. Once you get good yourself, or even while you’re still learning, correct others if necessary. Ex: Your friend Max is out publicly as nullpronomial, but without Max there to correct xem your other friend Addison uses incorrect language (uses pronouns) to refer to Max. You correct xem because you support Max and want people to refer to your friend correctly.
(A nullpronomial/no pronouns flag by @rainbowlack)
