16/08/2019
Inclusive language: Gender-neutral Pronouns.
Gender - neutral pronouns have recently become workaday. However ,most of us are not sure how to use them, apply them or even what they mean. That is why ,it is fundamental to understand that language is constantly evolving and broadening out, since it is not set in stone. Moreover ,inclusive language is focus on diversity as a way of expressing what goes on in our mind , and how it best describes our gender identity. Inclusive language seeks to promote mutual respect, acceptance, emphathy ,effective communication as well as equal opportunities within a welcoming environment , beyond stereotyping.
To create and sustain an inclusive society ,it is of paramount importance to encourage students , and citizens in general ,to include all people when they speak ,by getting into the habit of using Gender-neutral pronouns so as not to make any wrong assumptions when addressing individuals or groups of people. For instance ,the fact that someone appears masculine or femenine does not mean that they are "a man" or "a woman" , since the gender spectrum expands across a wide range of possibilities ,such as, non-binary, agender,trans,among others identities. So, first of all ,when in doubt ,it is more appropriate to refer to someone by their name, rather than "she" or "he" . A common Gender-neutral pronouns is "they" and its derivatives "their", "theirs" and "themselves" . Here are some examples of how to use them:
* I think someone has forgotten their schoolbag in the classroom.
*Whose schoolbag is it? Well, I'll find them.
* My Math teacher said they would correct the exam immediately.
*Can't you see that someone left their lunch box in the school canteen?
In connection with the pronoun previously mentioned above, Flinders University in Australia, the University of Tennessee and the University of Calgary in Canada ,among others,are currently adopting these commonplace inclusive practices in speeches in order to foster a community of respect.
The list in the photo shows three common Gender-neutral pronouns used in academic writing suggested by the University of Wisconsin-Madison as the most appropriate option to refer to gender identities.