How Many Pronouns Exist for Gender? Uncovering the Possibilities.

How Many Pronouns Exist for Gender? Uncovering the Possibilities

Gender is a complex social construct that has been the subject of much discussion and debate in recent years. One aspect of gender that has come under particular scrutiny is pronouns. Pronouns are important because they allow people to refer to each other without using their names. However, the traditional binary pronoun system of just “he” and “she” is insufficient for many people who do not feel that these pronouns accurately reflect their gender identity. In this article, we will explore how many pronouns there are for gender and the possibilities that exist beyond the binary system.

What are Pronouns?

Pronouns are words used to refer to a person or thing without using their name. Examples of pronouns include “he,” “she,” “it,” “they,” “ze,” and “xe.” Pronouns are an important part of language, as they allow for easy and efficient communication. However, traditional pronoun systems are limited in their ability to accurately reflect the diversity of gender identities.

Traditional Binary Pronoun System

The traditional binary pronoun system consists of just two pronouns: “he” and “she.” This system assumes that everyone falls into one of two gender categories: male or female. However, this system is not inclusive of people who do not identify as male or female.

Non-Binary Pronouns

Non-binary pronouns are pronouns that do not fit into the traditional binary system of “he” and “she.” These pronouns are used by people who do not identify as male or female.

  • They/Them/Theirs: These are the most common non-binary pronouns. They/them/theirs are used as singular pronouns to refer to a person who does not identify as male or female. For example, “They are coming over later.”
  • Ze/Zir/Zirs: Ze/zir/zirs are another set of gender-neutral pronouns. They are used in a similar way to they/them/theirs. For example, “Ze is coming over later.”
  • He/She/They: Some people prefer to use multiple pronouns or switch between pronouns, depending on the context. A person might use he/him/his pronouns in some situations and they/them/theirs pronouns in others.

Gender-Specific Pronouns

Gender-specific pronouns are pronouns that are either masculine or feminine. They are used to refer to people who identify as male or female.

  • He/Him/His: He/him/his are masculine pronouns used to refer to men and masculine-presenting individuals. For example, “He is coming over later.”
  • She/Her/Hers: She/her/hers are feminine pronouns used to refer to women and feminine-presenting individuals. For example, “She is coming over later.”

Other Pronouns Possibilities

In addition to traditional binary pronouns and non-binary pronouns, there are other pronoun possibilities that exist. These pronouns have been proposed by various communities and individuals in an effort to expand the gender discourse and make language more inclusive. However, these pronouns have not yet gained widespread use.

Spivak Pronouns

The Spivak pronouns were created by mathematician and philosopher Michael Spivak in 1991. They were designed to be a gender-neutral set of pronouns that would be feasible to use in academic writing.

The Spivak pronouns:

Subject Object Possessive Adjective Possessive Pronoun Reflexive
e em eir eirs emself

Singular They

Singular they is the use of they/them/their as a singular pronoun. While this usage has been around for centuries, it has become more controversial in recent years as some people argue that it is grammatically incorrect. However, many people feel that singular they is a useful and inclusive pronoun.

Neopronouns

Neopronouns are newly created pronouns that are not yet widely used. These pronouns have been proposed in an effort to create gender-neutral language that is more inclusive of non-binary individuals. Some examples of neopronouns include:

  • Xe/Xem/Xyrs: Xe/xem/xyrs are a set of gender-neutral pronouns that were created in the 1970s. They are similar to ze/zir/zirs.
  • Per/Per/Pers: Per/per/pers are another set of gender-neutral pronouns that are sometimes used by non-binary individuals.
  • Ze/Hir/Hirs: Ze/hir/hirs are another set of gender-neutral pronouns that are gaining popularity.

Why Pronouns are Important

Pronouns are important because they allow people to refer to each other without using their names. However, pronouns can also be a source of stress and discomfort for people who do not feel that the traditional binary system accurately reflects their gender identity. By using inclusive, gender-neutral pronouns, we can create a more welcoming and accepting environment for everyone.

Conclusion

How many pronouns exist for gender? More than you might think. While the traditional binary pronoun system of he/him/his and she/her/hers is still the most widely used, non-binary pronouns and other pronoun possibilities are becoming more common. By using inclusive, gender-neutral language, we can create a more welcoming and accepting environment for everyone.

References

  • Gender Pronouns | LGBTA Wiki. (2021). Retrieved 10 June 2021, from https://lgbta.wikia.org/wiki/Gender_Pronouns
  • Pronouns Matter: How Using the Right She/He/They Can Create a More Inclusive Workplace. (2021). Retrieved 10 June 2021, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinstoller/2021/03/02/pronouns-matter-how-using-the-right-shehethey-can-create-a-more-inclusive-workplace/?sh=48c187bb683f
  • Spivak Pronouns. (2021). Retrieved 10 June 2021, from https://uwm.edu/lgbtrc/support/gender-pronouns/spivak-pronouns/
  • The World’s First Genderless Pronoun: A History of ‘Thon’ | Jstor Daily. (2021). Retrieved 10 June 2021, from https://daily.jstor.org/a-brief-history-of-thons-the-worlds-first-genderless-pronoun/

Common Questions about Gender Pronouns

  • What are gender pronouns? Gender pronouns are words used to refer to a person without using their name. Traditional gender pronouns are “he/him/his” and “she/her/hers.” There are also gender-neutral pronouns such as “they/them/theirs,” “ze/zir/zirs,” and “xe/xem/xyrs.”
  • Why do some people use gender-neutral pronouns? Some people use gender-neutral pronouns because they do not identify as male or female, or because they prefer not to be referred to using traditional gender pronouns.
  • What should I do if I’m not sure which pronouns to use for someone? If you’re not sure which pronouns to use for someone, it’s okay to ask. You can say something like, “What are your preferred pronouns?” or “Can you remind me which pronouns you use?”
  • What if I make a mistake and use the wrong pronoun? If you accidentally use the wrong pronoun for someone, apologize and correct yourself. It’s important to make an effort to use the correct pronouns, but mistakes can happen.

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