Friday, July 23, 2010

GENDER-NEUTRAL LANGUAGE

Hi Friends!
Today let's talk a little about 'gender-neutral language'!

In English, the gender-based grammatical constructions are fast fading away. for example, it is so common for English users the world over to use such sentences as 'EVERYONE should carry HIS own umbrella', 'NO ONE is allowed to park HIS car here' etc.

However, the eminent writers and educated speakers of English, especially in English speaking countries are slowly but steadily shifting towards a gender-neutral language. (e.g. now it is okay to say 'EVEYONE should carry THEIR own umbrella', 'NO ONE is allowed to park THEIR car here' etc).

Although a few users have used such modified sentences since the 1960s, they have been more frequently used today - mainly due to the rapid global growth of Feminist Movement.

So, you may now say,
'Has ANYBODY done THEIR work?' (modern English)
 (though 'Has ANYBODY done HIS work?' is also correct)
'Everyone did THEIR work independently' (modern English)
(though 'Everyone did HIS work independently' is also correct)!

                                                                                                                      
Happy learning!!!
Jacob (Nova English Campus)

1 comment:

Pooja said...

Dear Binu ji,

Wow!! What a great look!! Nice color. Outstanding, Phenomenal. Really good... You know, colors play a vital role in everyone's life, moreover a change was really required here. In addition green is the color of prosperity and it suits to the season now as well..I mean because of rain, everything is clean and green..

You know, I thought I came to some different place when I first saw it. keep up!!

Regards and Blessings,
Pooja