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Just because something feels recent doesn’t mean it has just emerged. This is certainly true for gender neutral pronouns. While awareness and usage may seem new, these pronouns have a rich history that dates back centuries. You may have unknowingly used them in your everyday conversations. Let’s explore their origins.
A Long-Standing Tradition
Gender neutral and third-gender pronouns have been utilized as far back as the 14th century. In What’s Your Pronoun? Beyond He and She, linguistics professor Alex Morgan examines the historical significance of gender neutral pronouns. Although today they/them pronouns are largely recognized for representing nonbinary and gender nonconforming individuals, Morgan notes that the singular use of ‘they’ has historically been a useful tool for writers when gender is unknown or irrelevant.
For instance, Geoffrey Chaucer employed the singular ‘they’ in The Canterbury Tales as early as 1386, while Shakespeare used it in Hamlet in 1599, and Jane Austen included it in Pride and Prejudice in 1813. Their use back then wasn’t primarily about defining those outside the gender binary, but it does highlight the long-standing practice of using they/them pronouns in singular contexts, which has now become standard in writing guides and dictionaries.
You have likely referred to someone in the singular using they/them pronouns without even realizing it. For instance, if you find a jacket at a park, you might say, “Someone left their jacket. I hope they come back for it. I’ll take it to lost and found if it’s still here when I leave.” The person’s gender isn’t known, and saying ‘his or her’ repeatedly can be cumbersome.
Gender Neutral Pronouns and Feminism
As time went on, the movement for women’s rights in the late 19th century also influenced the use of gender neutral pronouns. The pronoun ‘he’ was often used generically for both men and women, skewing towards male-centric interpretations. As Morgan explains, suffragists argued from the 1870s to the early 1900s that if ‘he’ was seen as generic in the law, then women should be included in that definition. Unfortunately, the courts disagreed, allowing women to be taxed and charged with crimes under ‘he’ but denying them the vote.
To avoid the awkwardness of consistently using ‘he/she’ or ‘his/hers,’ various third-person and gender neutral pronouns were introduced, such as hes, hiser, hem, ons, and others. The term ‘thon,’ a contraction of ‘that one’ coined by Charles Crozat Converse in 1858, gained some popularity and was even included in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary in 1934, though it was later removed.
Language continually evolves, particularly as advocacy for gender equality progresses. Research shows that using gender neutral pronouns and moving away from he/him as the default can help reduce biases that support patriarchal systems and toxic masculinity. This shift also fosters more positive attitudes towards women and the queer community.
Understanding Nonbinary Identities
Nonbinary, transgender, and gender nonconforming individuals have existed throughout history, but the acceptance of diverse pronouns often faces resistance. Some people, like singer Halsey, use a mix of pronouns, such as she/they. Alternatives like ze, hir, and xe are also utilized by individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female. For those interested in understanding more about gender neutral pronouns, this video offers valuable insights.
If you wish to delve deeper into the topic, this guide provides a comprehensive overview and practical tips for using inclusive language in various settings.
Gender neutral pronouns serve multiple roles: they promote inclusivity, streamline communication, and affirm specific identities that exist beyond the traditional male/female binary. Though they are not new, their usage will continue to grow, particularly within the ever-evolving queer community. And importantly, their inclusion in language serves to benefit everyone, including women.
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Summary
The history of gender neutral pronouns is rich and varied, dating back to the 14th century. Though their modern use may seem recent, they have played a crucial role in communication and advocacy for gender equality. Their evolution continues as society becomes more inclusive, benefiting all individuals, including women.
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