The Pronoun Debate

A French dictionary added a general-neutral pronoun and it has sparked a widespread discussion.

• Language and identity are two pinnacles of modern existence. The relationship society has with both is also constantly evolving. This creates a space for disagreement.
• French dictionary, Le Petit Robert, added a gender-inclusive pronoun to its latest edition. The word “iel” - a combination of “il” (he) and “elle” (she) - has sparked a debate.
• Many traditionalists have called out the move. The French education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer tweeted “Inclusive writing is not the future of the French language”.
• The stance is representative of a push back in France, against cultural movements related to race, gender and sexuality. They deem such inclusive language as “wokeism” and “Americanism”.
• France is not the only country having to address this issue. A number of languages who use maculine and feminine, such as Spain, Portugual and Italy, are also having the same discussion.
• With the rise in digitalisation, American culture and theory has become integral in mainstream and pop culture. Globally, inclusivity and representation are a priority for the younger generations.
• This case lies at the intersection of language, politics and identity and is not likely to be resolved easily or any time soon.
• The Read List below dives into the discussion, looking at it from a modern and historical perspective.