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"They" has been used as a singular gender neutral pronoun since at least the 14th century. The modern prohibition against it is just that, modern.
by professoretc 6y ago
"They" has been used as a singular gender neutral pronoun since at least the 14th century. The modern prohibition against it is just that, modern.
- dllthomas 6y agoAt the same time, we're not trying to communicate with any 15th century readers. If it's in fact prevalent that a large number of readers have trouble with a construction, it doesn't really matter how recently that trouble arose, does it?
- Freak_NL 6y agoThey'll get used to it. Cheer up! English has it easy in this respect — although I'll readily grant that it is even easier in elliptical languages that usually omit gender specific references altogether, like Japanese. In Dutch it will be an uphill battle to get a singular 'hen/hun' accepted.
- srtjstjsj 6y agoIn English both hen and hun are feminine.
- dllthomas 6y agoOh, to be clear, I have no personal objection (philosophical or comprehensive) to singular they and use it regularly without thinking. I just felt like the point that was addressed wasn't the most important point that was made.
- zikzak 6y agoAgreed. I made the switch many years ago. It's easy enough. I learned to read in the mid-70's (like that really matters).