The Singular They

In continuation of the previous discussion on language and power today’s blog post will address recent changes that have led to more inclusivity in the English language.  In 2015 the Oxford English Dictionary officially acknowledged the singular they, and around that time several other major organizations, including the Associated Press and Chicago Manual of Style, also officially recognized the term.  The singular they is meant to make up for a deficiency in the English language that had been attempted to be rectified over several centuries but never quite was.  This blog post will explore the English language, the inclusion of the singular they, and what it means for gender nonconforming or transgender individuals.

Pronouns are words that are meant to replace nouns, often referring to the gender of the individual they refer to.  Common pronouns include he, she, it, or the plural they.  As you may notice or already be aware none of these pronouns are gender-neutral.  Each of these refers to a specific type, be it masculine, feminine, neither, or many.  English initially had a gender-neutral pronoun many, many centuries (when it was Old English), but as English changed (as all languages do) the gender-neutral pronoun disappeared. 

Several grammarians, however, felt that a gender-neutral pronoun should be reintroduced, and since the 17^th century that is just what they did.  Several different options have been made available over the past few centuries, but none seemed to stick.  The most recent shifts toward gender-neutral language included changing the default masculine pronouns (where everyone of unknown gender was referred to with the masculine pronouns, he, him, his) to a default feminine pronoun (she, her, hers) or referring to both (he/she or s/he).  These were rejected for various reasons, including that the switch from one pronoun to another did not solve the initial problem, the changes being too politically charged, and the inclusion of multiple pronouns being too cumbersome or wordy. 

Ultimately, while these changes were steps forward they still lacked true inclusivity, meaning they continued to acknowledge only two genders.  This does not accommodate for the acceptance of third gender categories here in the United States or their recognition in other cultures.  A push for a better pronoun was recently reintroduced into the discussions on language and a gender-neutral pronoun, and the singular they was chosen.  Originally introduced as an option in 1794 the singular they allows individuals to refer to multiple different genders without having to identify which specific one (if one even exists since the singular they also accommodates gender nonconforming individuals).  Therefore, it is the best option given the range of options of gender categories that currently exist (e.g., male, female, transgender, gender-nonconforming, gender-neutral, genderfluid, genderqueer, nonbinary individuals, and many more not currently included here due to lack of space and comprehensive knowledge). 

The inclusion and acceptance of the singular they is one step toward accepting third gender categories into the culture, which is a big step for these groups.  By creating and using language to refer to them, particularly in an inclusive way, these groups can be recognized as equals and gain equivalent rights and privileges previously denied them.  While many feel that the inclusion of the singular they into the English language is just a passing fad it is important to realize that third gender categories have existed for centuries in various cultures, and they are not going away.  By changing the language we, as a culture, are accepting that fact and taking steps toward creating a better, safer, and more accepting culture for all.

Works Cited

Author, N. (2018). Gender Pronouns. Retrieved from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center: https://uwm.edu/lgbtrc/support/gender-pronouns/

Baron, D. (No Date). The Words that Failed: A chronology of early nonbinary pronouns. Retrieved from University of Illinois: http://www.english.illinois.edu/-people-/faculty/debaron/essays/epicene.htm

Berry, C., Brizee, A., McGregor Boyle III, E. C., Atherton, R., Geib, E., Sheble, M., & Murton, H. (2018). Gendered Pronouns & Singular “They”. Retrieved from Purdue Website: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/595/04/

The Writing Center of the University of North Carolina. (2018). Gender-Inclusive Language. Retrieved from The Writing Center: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/gender-inclusive-language/