While it may seem that gender neutral pronouns are a modern invention, their usage actually spans centuries. Just because they have recently gained visibility doesn’t mean they are new. In fact, gender neutral pronouns have been part of our language for a long time, often utilized without us realizing it. Let’s explore their rich history.
A Longstanding Tradition
The concept of gender neutral pronouns can be traced back to as early as the 14th century. In his book, What’s Your Pronoun? Beyond He and She, linguist Dr. Jamie Thompson discusses how these pronouns have evolved over time. Today, they/them pronouns are often associated with nonbinary and gender nonconforming identities, but Thompson emphasizes 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, and Shakespeare incorporated they/them pronouns in his works, including Hamlet in 1599.
You have likely used they/them pronouns in everyday situations as well. If you find a lost item, you might say, “Oh, someone left their bag. I hope they come back for it.” Here, the ambiguity of gender is practical, avoiding cumbersome phrases like ‘his or her.’
The Intersection with Women’s Rights
The push for gender neutral pronouns also played a significant role in the women’s rights movement during the late 19th century. The term ‘he’ was often used generically, which many suffragists argued reinforced patriarchal systems. Dr. Thompson notes that suffragists from the 1870s onward contended that if ‘he’ was the default in legal contexts, it should also include women when it came to voting rights.
In her 1991 thesis, Kelly Ann Sippell documented various gender neutral pronouns that were proposed to avoid the cumbersome ‘he/she’ constructions. Among these, the term ‘thon,’ coined by Charles Crozat Converse in 1858, gained recognition for its simplicity, though it was ultimately removed from major dictionaries in the 1960s.
As our language evolves, the increasing use of gender neutral pronouns is crucial for promoting gender equality. Research shows that adopting these pronouns can help diminish biases that reinforce harmful stereotypes and enhance attitudes toward women and the LGBTQ+ community.
Beyond the Binary
Nonbinary, transgender, and gender nonconforming individuals have existed throughout history, yet they often face significant pushback when introducing nontraditional pronouns. Individuals like singer Halsey use she/they pronouns, while others may prefer ze, hir, or xe. Gaining a deeper understanding of why people use these pronouns can foster inclusivity. Check out this informative video for more insights on gender neutral pronouns and how to use them respectfully.
For further reading, this guide provides valuable tips on being more inclusive in your language, both in personal interactions and professional settings.
In summary, gender neutral pronouns are not a new phenomenon; they have historical roots and serve multiple purposes, such as inclusivity and efficiency in communication. Their usage will likely continue to grow as society embraces diverse gender identities. Moreover, their inclusion benefits everyone, including those who identify as women.
For additional insights, you can explore related topics on pregnancy and home insemination through resources like Healthline and Intracervical Insemination, or check out more articles on our blog here.