Gender Neutral Language
First in France this year - now in Sweden: the feminists are changing the language. The Swedes, known as the most gender equal people in the world, are now striving beyond equality – towards neutrality, and this is being reflected in their language. A new gender neutral pronoun, “hen”, can now be used instead of the feminine “hon” or masculine “han”. Suggested by linguists in the 1960s, the pronoun finally made it into the mainstream language this April when it was added to the National Encyclopedia in Sweden.
Nathalie Rothschild has reported on how the Swedish society is no longer satisfied with gender equality; pressure groups are working on the elimination of gender distinctions from society at large, including government institutions. The purpose is not simply to accommodate those who do not identify well with a particular gender, or who wish to marry someone of the same sex: “What many gender-neutral activists are after is a society that entirely erases traditional gender roles and stereotypes at even the most mundane levels”( “Sweden’s New Gender-Neutral Pronoun: Hen”). Rothschild gives examples on how this is happening: parents are being encouraged to use unisex names for their children, a Swedish clothes company no longer has a “girls” section as distinct from a “boys” section, and toy catalogues are following the same logic. Schools, sports, and even restrooms are following the trend. Of course, there has been opposition, including complaints that the feminists are destroying the language, but this has not stopped “gender pedagogues” from monitoring schools and taking action where necessary.
Sweden is a perfect example of a new world order, including a “new word order”, in sharp focus. Others will follow – slowly but surely, wouldn’t you agree?
Posted by May Mikati on 01 June 2012, 9:24 PM
First in France this year - now in Sweden: the feminists are changing the language. The Swedes, known as the most gender equal people in the world, are now striving beyond equality – towards neutrality, and this is being reflected in their language. A new gender neutral pronoun, “hen”, can now be used instead of the feminine “hon” or masculine “han”. Suggested by linguists in the 1960s, the pronoun finally made it into the mainstream language this April when it was added to the National Encyclopedia in Sweden.
Nathalie Rothschild has reported on how the Swedish society is no longer satisfied with gender equality; pressure groups are working on the elimination of gender distinctions from society at large, including government institutions. The purpose is not simply to accommodate those who do not identify well with a particular gender, or who wish to marry someone of the same sex: “What many gender-neutral activists are after is a society that entirely erases traditional gender roles and stereotypes at even the most mundane levels”( “Sweden’s New Gender-Neutral Pronoun: Hen”). Rothschild gives examples on how this is happening: parents are being encouraged to use unisex names for their children, a Swedish clothes company no longer has a “girls” section as distinct from a “boys” section, and toy catalogues are following the same logic. Schools, sports, and even restrooms are following the trend. Of course, there has been opposition, including complaints that the feminists are destroying the language, but this has not stopped “gender pedagogues” from monitoring schools and taking action where necessary.
Sweden is a perfect example of a new world order, including a “new word order”, in sharp focus. Others will follow – slowly but surely, wouldn’t you agree?
Posted by May Mikati on 01 June 2012, 9:24 PM
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