Using
neutral pronouns in English is becoming more common as individuals identify
outside of the traditional gender binary. This is a topic that has been
discussed recently amongst educators. While many people have their own opinion
about why not to use them or to use them, we need to realize that the world is changing
and change can be hard. But, in my opinion, if it makes people feel more
comfortable, why not try to adapt to the changes?
Using
neutral pronouns is an inclusive and respectful way to acknowledge and affirm
the identities of individuals who do not identify as strictly male or female. Instead
of using he/him or she/her pronouns, neutral pronouns are used to refer to
individuals in a gender-neutral way. Some common neutral pronouns include
they/them, ze/hir, and xe/xem. When referring to someone using neutral
pronouns, it's important to respect their preferred pronouns and use them
consistently. It's also significant to avoid misgendering someone by assuming
their gender or using gendered language when referring to them.
In
recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of
gender-inclusive language in academic settings. The acceptance and use of
neutral pronouns in academic papers can vary depending on the specific
institution, field of study, and the preferences of individual professors or
academic journals.
Many
academic institutions and publications now encourage or even require the use of
neutral pronouns when referring to individuals whose gender identity is non-binary
or unknown. However, it is important to check the specific guidelines or
requirements of your academic institution or journal before using neutral
pronouns in your paper.
If
there are no specific guidelines provided, it is generally a good practice to
be respectful and inclusive in your language choices. This may involve using
gender-neutral language or using the preferred pronouns of the individuals you
are referencing or discussing in your paper.
It
is also worth noting that using neutral pronouns in academic writing can
contribute to creating a more inclusive and diverse scholarly environment.
I
came across the article below which has helped understand the importance of
using neutral pronouns, especially when it comes to writing.
Written: July 30, 2023
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