Language is perhaps the single defining factor differentiating the human species from the rest of the animal world. As social beings, we are able to communicate on a massively intimate, precise level thanks to the development of language. As our human cultures evolve, our languages do as well. New words are made official additions to languages every day in regard to things like technology, medicine and pop culture. The growth of vocabulary is only natural in order for us to remain social and to be able to communicate about the modern world. While language has evolved in many ways to reflect new ways of thinking, there are still many changes to be made. However, one country is making a literary change to reflect modern views of gender.
As many official languages do, the Swedish language is adding thousands of new words to its official dictionary, allowing the language to be more accurate in the modern world. One of these new words is a gender-neutral pronoun. This new word will allow someone to be referred to while maintaining gender neutrality. This can be helpful when dealing with circumstances where gender differences may influence opinions or where one does not fit into the traditional gender dichotomy. Gendered pronouns can have profound effects on the way ideas or messages are interpreted, and can lead to stereotyping and personal devaluing. With the addition of a gender neutral pronoun, these connotations can be avoided.
Swedes have reacted to the addition of this new word in various ways. Many Swedish citizens appreciate the evolution of their language but feel that it is not enough in the ongoing conversation about gender. For some Swedes, gender neutrality is the ultimate goal, going further than just equality. For example, many Swedish citizens feel that there should not be a distinction between the sexes at all, that the government should view everyone as equal and that the institutions of marriage and family should not take into account sex or gender in any regard. These Swedish activists ultimately seek to shape a society without any traditional gender roles or stereotypes.
The neutrality of gender in terms of language is a great step in that direction. Language is how we shape and learn from society. Gendered language, particularly pronouns that represent the gender binary, leads to a skewed understanding of ourselves. There are people who do not fit into typical binary gender roles and should not have to be subjected to language that strictly adheres to those roles. The addition of a gender neutral pronoun allows for individuals who do not identify as male or female to be included in conversations without the fear of scrutiny or judgement.
The new addition of a gender neutral pronoun in the Swedish language is not surprising if you take into consideration that Sweden is “one of the most gender-equal countries in the world.” In today’s modern, evolving culture, the conversation of gender and sexual equality is an evolving topic. It logically follows that language should evolve to better represent the culture. The Swedish addition of the gender neutral pronoun has definitely been useful and functional within their society. This shows that change within language is needed and useful in the advancement of humankind.
As the basis for our communication, our languages define us as a species and allows us to grow. We use language to communicate ideas, exchange information, offer assistance and allow for entertainment. As the most basic component that differentiates us from the rest of the animal world, our language should be a representation of us as a whole. The binary of gendered pronouns is not an ideal representation of the human species as not all humans fall into either one of two categories.
Sweden is on the right track with their addition of a gender neutral pronoun. This is a step in the right direction because it is inclusive of all people and does not discriminate any particular group of people, allowing for a more modern conversation to be had. We should all appreciate this advancement of language and understand what it means for our future.
