“Pronouns”, I’m sure you’ve heard of the term being tossed around in your English Grammar classes. You learnt about how pronouns are used to replace proper nouns and make sentences grammatically sound.
But why are we talking about them in the workplace now?
Pronouns are closely linked with gender and the rules of the English language mandate what pronoun is to be used, based on the gender of the person.
Gender is no longer limited to the binary idea of male and female and is now interpreted as a spectrum. Gender is one’s innermost concept of self which can be masculine, feminine, a blend of both, neither or any other identity one may relate with. Gender is different from biological sex and people may or may not identify with their sex assigned at birth.
While the conversation has risen to prominence in recent times, this isn’t anything new. The Oxford English Dictionary traced the first instance of “they” as a singular pronoun to 1375. With a broadened understanding of gender, using people’s preferred pronouns is important to acknowledge and respect each person’s gender identity.
Here are a few important points about pronouns and their usage:
What are pronouns?
A personal pronoun is a short word we use as a simple substitute for the proper name of a person. They are also frequently used to denote the individual’s gender identity. For instance, gendered pronouns like she and he imply that the speaker is either a man or a woman.
However, not everyone identifies as a man or a woman, and some people might choose to use gender-inclusive or gender-neutral pronouns rather than gender-specific ones.
Are there pronouns other than she/her and he/him?
Yes!
People may not identify with the two most commonly used pronouns- she/her or he/him.
Individuals may identify with the gender they were assigned at birth (cisgender), or not (non-binary gender). Some fall in the spectrum of male and female extremes (gender fluid), while some identify with all genders (pangender). Some people may prefer that others address them using specific pronouns.
Some pronouns are:
- they/them
- ze/zir
- ey/em
- No pronouns, prefer to be referred to by your name
For instance, someone might say, “Hello, my name is Rahul, and I use they/them pronouns.” This implies that they/them should be used, rather than he/him or she/her, to refer to Rahul. Some people may also use different pronouns in different settings or at other points.
Why are pronouns important?
Pronouns are important because they are a way of respecting and affirming someone’s gender identity and expression. Using the correct pronouns for someone is equivalent to saying their name correctly. It conveys respect and acceptance.
On the other hand, using the wrong pronouns or declining to use someone’s preferred pronouns can be aggravating and disrespectful, denying their identity.
How do I put pronouns into use every day?
Here are a few simple steps to use pronouns in a more inclusive manner:
- Spend time learning about the different types of pronouns and how they are used in sentences.
- Don’t assume a person’s pronouns or rely only on binary gender.
- Use they/them pronouns when you’re not sure what someone’s pronouns are
- Ask people what pronouns they use and respect their choices. You can ask “How should I refer to you?”
- Don’t force anyone to share their pronouns. Invite them to share and if they are not comfortable, respect their choice.
- It’s okay to make mistakes but own up to them. Correct yourself immediately, if possible and apologise if you make a mistake.
By using and respecting everyone’s pronouns, we work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.