#queerlinguistics

[grammarbender]

🌈 How to embrace the power of Singular They/Them Pronouns 🌈

Hey there, buddy. You surely came across They/Them pronouns before. Or if you didn't, it's also alright :) come along for some tips on how to use it properly linguistically and contextually.

First a little background info: Traditionally, they/them has been a third-person plural pronoun in English. However, it has history in being used to refer to a person whose gender is not clear, and nowadays it became an important tool for acknowledging individuals whose gender identities are non-binary, genderqueer, or who simply prefer not to be confined within the traditional gender binary.

🔑  Guidelines for Usage 🔑

1️⃣ Agreement in Number: You gotta make sure that the surrounding elements in a sentence agree in number when using singular they/them. That includes the verb, pronouns, and adjectives. For example, "They are an excellent scientist," where "are" aligns with the plural form of they.

2️⃣ Consistency: Treat they/them as you would any other pronoun. Respect and acknowledge individuals' chosen pronouns in both spoken and written communication, and stay consistent.  For instance, "I met Sam today. They are an incredible artist, and I love their work."

3️⃣ Avoid Gendered Language: When referring to someone using they/them pronouns, it is important to avoid using gendered language or assuming their gender identity, eg. adding words such as "girl, woman, guy, dude". 

4️⃣ Contextual Clues: In some instances, the context of a sentence can provide clarity when using singular they/them. Pay attention to the surrounding context to understand who or what is being referred to. For example, "I talked to the author about their book. They shared some interesting insights about their writing process."

In general, using singular they/them pronouns is a powerful way to avoid assumptions, misgendering, and the erasure of diverse gender identities. 

Remember, language is ever-evolving, and it's our responsibility to adapt and grow with it.  🌈✨

Check our other posts for more tips :) 

[grammarbender]

 Exploring Gender in Language 🚀

Hey there, buddy! 

Let's dive into the fascinating world of gender in language and discover how different cultures express gender through their linguistic structures. 🌟

Did you know that languages can exhibit gender in two distinct ways? 

➡️Grammatical and natural gender. 

Natural gender reflects the gendered meaning of nouns, describing things that possess gender in real life. 

🎈 For example, words like 'woman' and 'man,' Spanish 'mujer' and 'hombre,' 'sow' and 'boar,' 'actress' and 'actor' all carry natural gender. 

Even in languages like English, which have minimal instances of grammatical gender, the gender of 'woman' is inherently expressed.

👉On the other hand, grammatical gender involves simply embedding of gender into a language without any specific reason, in a way that is hard to avoid it.

Italian serves as a prime example of a grammatically-gendered language. 

Every noun in Italian carries a gender, indicated by a suffix that cannot be omitted. 

Accompanied by gendered articles and adjectives, Italian requires individuals to specify the gender when referring to themselves or others. 

For example, uno (male) studente or una (female) studentessa.

It's✨ fascinating ✨to explore how different languages navigate the concept of gender. In spoken Japanese, there is no gendered third-person pronoun. Instead, individuals are often referred to by their names or occupations, providing a gender-neutral approach to communication.

A very good example of significant steps toward gender inclusivity is Sweden. In 2015, the gender-neutral personal pronoun 'hen' was officially added to the dictionary. 🙌

By understanding the diverse approaches to gender in language, we can cultivate a greater sense of empathy, respect, and inclusivity. Language is a powerful tool that both reflects and shapes our perceptions. 🌈💜

Check our other posts for more info :) 

[grammarbender]

The History, Acceptance, and Spread of They/Them Pronouns 🌟🌈

Hey buddy! ever wondered where singular they/them came from? The usage is not as new as many people think, and it still faces some backlashes. So let's have a deep dive into this!

Believe it or not, the usage of they/them as a singular pronoun dates back to Middle English and was commonly used until the 18th century!

Renowned writers like William Shakespeare and Jane Austen incorporated the singular they in their works, showing its historical roots.

Check this out:

➡ "A Comedy of Errors" by Shakespeare: Act II, Scene 2: "There's not a man I meet but doth salute me / As if I were their well-acquainted friend."

➡ "The Merchant of Venice": In Act II, Scene 2, Shakespeare used the singular they when Portia says: "And with them commit / A sinful soul, ablaze and full of sin."

➡ "Emma": Jane Austen used the singular they in this novel. For example, in Chapter 55, Austen writes: "Everybody had a good deal to say in the praise of their own choice."

➡ "Pride and Prejudice": In Chapter 23, Austen used the singular "they" when Mr. Bennet refers to his daughters: "For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?"

Fast forward to the present, the acceptance and usage of singular "they/them" has skyrocketed. 🚀

However, there have been arguments from grammar purists against its usage. But here's the thing, language is dynamic and ever-evolving. It changes to meet the needs of its speakers! 🎨

Linguistic change occurs through conscious and unconscious efforts, influenced by new inventions, changes in social structure, and the presence of different social demographics.

It's✨fascinating✨ to note that writers and speakers have been using or improvising neutral pronouns for centuries. While their usage may not have originated from a conscious consideration of gender-neutral individuals, it showcases the flexibility of language and the creativity of its users.

Both linguists and grammarians have recognized the validity and usefulness of singular they/them as a gender-neutral pronoun. It serves as a crucial tool to respect and include individuals who identify beyond the traditional gender binary.  🌈💜