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Variation in English gendered pronouns
Analysis and recommendations for ethics in linguistics
- Source: Journal of Language and Sexuality, Volume 11, Issue 2, Aug 2022, p. 141 - 164
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- 18 Dec 2020
- 11 Apr 2022
- 04 Aug 2022
Abstract
Abstract
This paper describes an ongoing shift in the pronominal system of English that is primarily related to transgender and non-binary identities. Apparent time evidence suggests that this is an ongoing change, and metalinguistic comments support the indexical link between the change and the increased visibility of transgender and non-binary English speakers. Sociopragmatic variation enabled by this change shows that the pronoun system of English functions much less like a grammatical gender (noun class) system, and much more like a system of honorifics. The second half of the paper puts forward a position for social justice around pronoun use and gender autonomy, including advice for professional linguists who work in related fields.
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