Pronouns: Difference between revisions

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'''He.''' Some specific nonbinary people who ask to be called by "[[he/him]]" pronouns include writer [[Richard O'Brien]].
'''He.''' Some specific nonbinary people who ask to be called by "[[he/him]]" pronouns include writer [[Richard O'Brien]].


'''She.''' Nonbinary people who ask people to use "[[she/her]]" pronouns for them include public speaker [[Olave Basabose]], internet personality [[Left at London]], musician [[JD Samson]], activist [[Kate Bornstein]] (who also goes by "they")<ref>{{cite tweet|author=[[Kate Bornstein]]|title=Thanks for asking, @msmacb. I like they/them. She/her are also okay—makes me smile. xox|date=2016-01-26|user=katebornstein|number=692135982716575745}}</ref> and comedian [[Eddie Izzard]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/dec/21/eddie-izzard-to-use-female-pronouns-she-and-her|title=Eddie Izzard to use the pronouns 'she' and 'her'|date=2020-12-21|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2021-02-10}}</ref>.
'''She.''' Nonbinary people who ask people to use "[[she/her]]" pronouns for them include public speaker [[Olave Basabose]], internet personality [[Left at London]], musician [[JD Samson]], activist [[Kate Bornstein]] (who also goes by "they")<ref>{{cite tweet|author=[[Kate Bornstein]]|title=Thanks for asking, @msmacb. I like they/them. She/her are also okay—makes me smile. xox|date=2016-01-26|user=katebornstein|number=692135982716575745}}</ref> and comedian [[Eddie Izzard]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/dec/21/eddie-izzard-to-use-female-pronouns-she-and-her|title=Eddie Izzard to use the pronouns 'she' and 'her'|date=2020-12-21|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2021-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603050016/http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/dec/21/eddie-izzard-to-use-female-pronouns-she-and-her|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>.


'''They.''' Some nonbinary people ask to be called by "singular they" pronouns, including comedian [[Jes Tom]], writer [[Ivan E. Coyote]], actor [[Jiz Lee]], writer [[R.B. Lemberg]], singer-songwriter [[Rae Spoon]], performance poet Kae Tempest<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/aug/06/kate-tempest-announces-they-are-non-binary-changes-name-to-kae|title=Kate Tempest announces they are non-binary, changes name to Kae|date=2020-08-06|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2021-02-10}}</ref> and musician [[Stevie Knipe]].
'''They.''' Some nonbinary people ask to be called by "singular they" pronouns, including comedian [[Jes Tom]], writer [[Ivan E. Coyote]], actor [[Jiz Lee]], writer [[R.B. Lemberg]], singer-songwriter [[Rae Spoon]], performance poet Kae Tempest<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/aug/06/kate-tempest-announces-they-are-non-binary-changes-name-to-kae|title=Kate Tempest announces they are non-binary, changes name to Kae|date=2020-08-06|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2021-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308000105/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/aug/06/kate-tempest-announces-they-are-non-binary-changes-name-to-kae|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref> and musician [[Stevie Knipe]].


'''Other pronouns.''' Nonbinary people who go by other pronouns include singer Mx [[Justin Vivian Bond]], who goes by [[Pronouns#V|v]] pronouns. "[[Pronouns#Ze|Ze]], hir" pronouns are the preferred pronouns of revolutionary communist [[Leslie Feinberg]] (who also went by she)<ref>Minnie Bruce Pratt, "Transgender Pioneer and Stone Butch Blues Author Leslie Feinberg Has Died." ''Advocate.'' November 17, 2014. http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/books/2014/11/17/transgender-pioneer-leslie-feinberg-stone-butch-blues-has-died</ref>.
'''Other pronouns.''' Nonbinary people who go by other pronouns include singer Mx [[Justin Vivian Bond]], who goes by [[Pronouns#V|v]] pronouns. "[[Pronouns#Ze|Ze]], hir" pronouns are the preferred pronouns of revolutionary communist [[Leslie Feinberg]] (who also went by she)<ref>Minnie Bruce Pratt, "Transgender Pioneer and Stone Butch Blues Author Leslie Feinberg Has Died." ''Advocate.'' November 17, 2014. http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/books/2014/11/17/transgender-pioneer-leslie-feinberg-stone-butch-blues-has-died [https://web.archive.org/web/20230614162544/https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/books/2014/11/17/transgender-pioneer-leslie-feinberg-stone-butch-blues-has-died Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>.


'''Any pronouns.''' Some nonbinary people have no specific pronoun they want used; they are okay with any and all pronouns. For example, the model [[Rain Dove]], voice actor [[Casey Mongillo]], and makeup artist [[Justin Saint]].
'''Any pronouns.''' Some nonbinary people have no specific pronoun they want used; they are okay with any and all pronouns. For example, the model [[Rain Dove]], voice actor [[Casey Mongillo]], and makeup artist [[Justin Saint]].
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*[http://anlamasanda.tumblr.com/post/15140114246 This survey by anlamasanda on Tumblr] ran for many months. The results were published at the start of 2012, and showed that of the 800+ people responding, '''singular "they"''' was the most popular pronoun at '''62%'''. [http://anlamasanda.tumblr.com/psurvey Commentary.]
*[http://anlamasanda.tumblr.com/post/15140114246 This survey by anlamasanda on Tumblr] ran for many months. The results were published at the start of 2012, and showed that of the 800+ people responding, '''singular "they"''' was the most popular pronoun at '''62%'''. [http://anlamasanda.tumblr.com/psurvey Commentary.]
*[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiVvhUyACboSdG56TmczMmtGbFJCOVg1dTdUVFp1enc#gid=1 This survey by Lottelodge (now cassolotl) on Tumblr] ran for two months. The results were published in July 2013, and showed that of over 2,000 respondents '''singular "they"''' was the most popular pronoun at '''63%'''. [http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/54769253277 Commentary.] This rose to 74% in 2015,<ref name="CassolotlNBGQ2015">[http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/111585517125 Nonbinary Stats 2015 (Worldwide) - the results], published 20 Feb 2015</ref> and 77% in 2016.<ref name="CassolotlNBGQ2016">[http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/137953257500 NB/GQ Survey 2016 - the worldwide results], published 20 Feb 2015</ref>
*[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiVvhUyACboSdG56TmczMmtGbFJCOVg1dTdUVFp1enc#gid=1 This survey by Lottelodge (now cassolotl) on Tumblr] ran for two months. The results were published in July 2013, and showed that of over 2,000 respondents '''singular "they"''' was the most popular pronoun at '''63%'''. [http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/54769253277 Commentary.] This rose to 74% in 2015,<ref name="CassolotlNBGQ2015">[http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/111585517125 Nonbinary Stats 2015 (Worldwide) - the results], published 20 Feb 2015 [https://web.archive.org/web/20230519033700/https://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/111585517125 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> and 77% in 2016.<ref name="CassolotlNBGQ2016">[http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/137953257500 NB/GQ Survey 2016 - the worldwide results], published 20 Feb 2015 [https://web.archive.org/web/20230519033835/http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/137953257500 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
*[https://gendercensus.tumblr.com/post/141311159050/nbgq-survey-2016-the-worldwide-results Nonbinary Stats Survey of 2016] ran in January for 8 days, and published its results in March. The most popular pronoun was "they," at 77.5%, followed by she, he, "mix it up," and a preference to not have others pronouns for one at all. The survey recorded 123 different pronoun sets in use among 3055 nonbinary people, of which, 90 pronouns were entered only once.
*[https://gendercensus.tumblr.com/post/141311159050/nbgq-survey-2016-the-worldwide-results Nonbinary Stats Survey of 2016] ran in January for 8 days, and published its results in March. The most popular pronoun was "they," at 77.5%, followed by she, he, "mix it up," and a preference to not have others pronouns for one at all. The survey recorded 123 different pronoun sets in use among 3055 nonbinary people, of which, 90 pronouns were entered only once.


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====Test them====
====Test them====


At the same time as you work on the above table of pros and cons, test the pronouns that you might like. Try them in several ways: in writing, out loud, and in reference to you. If you have friends who understand, test out having them call you by these pronouns for a little while. You can help your friends with this by wearing a pronoun badge (see below). You can also test how your pronouns look in writing by using web-sites that put them into a text. Such sites include [https://genderev.com/pronouns/ Genderev's Pronoun Try-On], [http://www.pronouns.failedslacker.com/ Failedslacker's Pronoun Dressing Room], [https://pronoun.is/ Pronoun Island] and [http://www.practicewithpronouns.com/ PracticeWithPronouns.com]. You may find that you feel differently about the pronouns when they are in action, and when they are in reference to you.
At the same time as you work on the above table of pros and cons, test the pronouns that you might like. Try them in several ways: in writing, out loud, and in reference to you. If you have friends who understand, test out having them call you by these pronouns for a little while. You can help your friends with this by wearing a pronoun badge (see below). You can also test how your pronouns look in writing by using web-sites that put them into a text. Such sites include [https://genderev.com/pronouns/ Genderev's Pronoun Try-On], [https://chocolate-pancake.github.io/pronounsandnamestester/ Pronouns And Names Tester], [http://www.pronouns.failedslacker.com/ Failedslacker's Pronoun Dressing Room], [https://web.archive.org/web/20190407041806/http://www.pronoun.is/ Pronoun Island] and [http://www.practicewithpronouns.com/ PracticeWithPronouns.com]. You may find that you feel differently about the pronouns when they are in action, and when they are in reference to you.


===Announcing your change of pronouns===
===Announcing your change of pronouns===
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*Conclusion: Request that people use these pronouns for you.
*Conclusion: Request that people use these pronouns for you.


Based on the above, here is a [[template letters|sample letter]] of a fictional person announcing their pronoun change. You can use it as a template for writing your own.<blockquote>Dear Stuart,</blockquote>
Based on the above, here is a [[template letters|sample letter]] of a fictional person announcing their pronoun change. You can use it as a template for writing your own.


<blockquote>As you know, I have a nonbinary gender identity, meaning that I don't think of myself as a woman or a man. I'm transitioning to a gender expression that feels more like the real me. Since being called "he" or "she" doesn't feel right to me, I have decided to change my pronouns to singular they (they, them, their, theirs, themself). For an example of these pronouns in a couple sentences: "They are Morgan, that's them. They will read their book by themself". I like these singular gender-neutral pronouns the best because they were used by Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and other great writers. They have been a part of English for a long time. From now on, please call me by "they" pronouns, instead of "he" or "she".</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dear Stuart,


<blockquote>Thank you,</blockquote>
As you know, I have a nonbinary gender identity, meaning that I don't think of myself as a woman or a man. I'm transitioning to a gender expression that feels more like the real me. Since being called "he" or "she" doesn't feel right to me, I have decided to change my pronouns to singular they (they, them, their, theirs, themself). For an example of these pronouns in a couple sentences: "They are Morgan, that's them. They will read their book by themself". I like these singular gender-neutral pronouns the best because they were used by Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and other great writers. They have been a part of English for a long time. From now on, please call me by "they" pronouns, instead of "he" or "she".
<blockquote>Mx Morgan Doe</blockquote>
 
Thank you,<br/>
Mx Morgan Doe
</blockquote>


You can also use the above sample letter as a template for writing an e-mail, just by leaving out the signature. Use it as a template for a blog post by leaving out the salutation.
You can also use the above sample letter as a template for writing an e-mail, just by leaving out the signature. Use it as a template for a blog post by leaving out the salutation.
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For another example, some genderfluid people feel comfortable or uncomfortable with certain pronouns depending on the current state of their gender identity. As a result, they alternate pronouns depending on their current identity, and ask to be called by different pronouns at different times.  
For another example, some genderfluid people feel comfortable or uncomfortable with certain pronouns depending on the current state of their gender identity. As a result, they alternate pronouns depending on their current identity, and ask to be called by different pronouns at different times.  


Unusual pronouns can make trouble for people who speak English as a second language, or who have disabilities that make it harder for them to speak and understand English. Unusual pronouns are difficult to understand for people who lipread.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pronouns |work=Footnotes |date=15 July 2003 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20090414130833/http://footnotes.jinkies.org.uk/pronouns.html |url=http://footnotes.jinkies.org.uk/pronouns.html |archive-date=14 April 2009}}</ref> If you or another person have difficulty using unusual pronouns for these reasons, then it is acceptable and appropriate to ask a person if they have another set of pronouns that you can use in that case.<ref>otherkinlogic, vulpinekin, and roborenard. "Nounself pronouns and how to use them." http://otherkinlogic.tumblr.com/post/92382457520 {{dead link}}</ref>
Unusual pronouns can make trouble for people who speak English as a second language, or who have disabilities that make it harder for them to speak and understand English. Unusual pronouns are difficult to understand for people who lipread.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pronouns |work=Footnotes |date=15 July 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414130833/http://footnotes.jinkies.org.uk/pronouns.html |url=http://footnotes.jinkies.org.uk/pronouns.html |archive-date=14 April 2009 |access-date=29 July 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> If you or another person have difficulty using unusual pronouns for these reasons, then it is acceptable and appropriate to ask a person if they have another set of pronouns that you can use in that case.<ref>otherkinlogic, vulpinekin, and roborenard. "Nounself pronouns and how to use them." http://otherkinlogic.tumblr.com/post/92382457520 {{dead link}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20200929160755/https://otherkinlogic.tumblr.com/post/92382457520 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


==Arabic neutral pronouns==
==Arabic neutral pronouns==
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Gender-neutral pronouns in Modern Standard Arabic (اللغة العربية) include:
Gender-neutral pronouns in Modern Standard Arabic (اللغة العربية) include:


هما means "they, originally dual, can work as a neutral singular third person."<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns">{{Cite web|url=https://whatdoesenbymean.tumblr.com/post/98205665479/multilingual-pronouns-list|title=multilingual pronouns list|website=Ask a nonbinary person|access-date=2021-01-10}}</ref>
هما means "they, originally dual, can work as a neutral singular third person."<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns">{{Cite web|url=https://whatdoesenbymean.tumblr.com/post/98205665479/multilingual-pronouns-list|title=multilingual pronouns list|website=Ask a nonbinary person|access-date=2021-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516153213/https://whatdoesenbymean.tumblr.com/post/98205665479/multilingual-pronouns-list|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>


انتما means "second person dual."<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
انتما means "second person dual."<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
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Some people simply write "TA" with Latin letters ("TA是我的朋友。").  The same can be done in Bopomofo ("ㄊㄚ是我的朋友。").
Some people simply write "TA" with Latin letters ("TA是我的朋友。").  The same can be done in Bopomofo ("ㄊㄚ是我的朋友。").


Gender-neutral pronouns in Cantonese (广州话) include:
Gender-neutral pronouns in Cantonese (廣東話) include:


'''keúih/keoi5 佢''' meaning "them/him/her/it"
'''keúih/keoi5 佢''' meaning "them/him/her/it"
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'''onikání''', "which was used in the past as gender-neutral pronoun when refering to someone of lesser status. it’s oni/je/jejich/se they/them/their/themself and the use is: Oni jsou moc milým člověkem. - They are a very nice person."<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
'''onikání''', "which was used in the past as gender-neutral pronoun when refering to someone of lesser status. it’s oni/je/jejich/se they/them/their/themself and the use is: Oni jsou moc milým člověkem. - They are a very nice person."<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
==Danish neutral pronouns==
==Danish neutral pronouns==


Gender-neutral pronouns in Danish language (Dansk) include:
Gender-neutral pronouns in Danish language (dansk) include:


'''de, dem, deres'''<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
'''de, dem, deres'''<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />


'''hen, hen, hens'''<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" /> (neopronoun - the variants hæn and høn are equally proposed.)<ref>https://sproget.dk/raad-og-regler/artikler-mv/svarbase/SV00016738</ref> <ref>https://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/han-hun-eller-hoen/13013a26-ec3f-4c10-9833-d80a0fd6ea7e</ref>
'''hen, hen, hens'''<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" /> (neopronoun - the variants hæn and høn have also been proposed.)<ref>https://sproget.dk/raad-og-regler/artikler-mv/svarbase/SV00016738 [https://web.archive.org/web/20220929211652/https://sproget.dk/raad-og-regler/artikler-mv/svarbase/SV00016738 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> <ref>https://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/han-hun-eller-hoen/13013a26-ec3f-4c10-9833-d80a0fd6ea7e [https://web.archive.org/web/20211023120648/https://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/han-hun-eller-hoen/13013a26-ec3f-4c10-9833-d80a0fd6ea7e Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


==Dutch neutral pronouns==
==Dutch neutral pronouns==
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Gender-neutral pronouns in Dutch language (Nederlands) include:
Gender-neutral pronouns in Dutch language (Nederlands) include:


'''hen, hen, hun''' <ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.transgendernetwerk.nl/non-binair-voornaamwoord-uitslag/|title=Zo maak je na toiletten ook taal genderneutraal|date=2016-06-10|website=Transgender Netwerk Nederland|language=nl|access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
'''hen, hen, hun''' <ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.transgendernetwerk.nl/non-binair-voornaamwoord-uitslag/|title=Zo maak je na toiletten ook taal genderneutraal|date=2016-06-10|website=Transgender Netwerk Nederland|language=nl|access-date=2020-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520060910/https://www.transgendernetwerk.nl/non-binair-voornaamwoord-uitslag/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>


'''die, hen, hun''' <ref name=":2" />
'''die, hen, hun''' <ref name=":2" />
'''die, die, diens''' <ref>“[https://web.archive.org/web/20231201021908/https://tekstbureaulindaschlief.nl/hoe-gebruik-je-non-binaire-voornaamwoorden/ Hoe gebruik je de non-binaire voornaamwoorden hen/hun en die/diens]”  Tekst Bureau Linda Schlief. 2023-02-22. Archived from the [https://tekstbureaulindaschlief.nl/hoe-gebruik-je-non-binaire-voornaamwoorden/ original] on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 2024-06-20</ref>


'''ze, hun, ze''' "note: literal translation of they, but ze is often used as 'she'"<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
'''ze, hun, ze''' "note: literal translation of they, but ze is often used as 'she'"<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
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'''zij, hen, hun'''<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
'''zij, hen, hun'''<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />


‘’’Die, hen, hun’’’is also often used with die being a translation of who or another way of using a Dutch version of they <ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
‘’’Die, hen, hun’’’is also often used with die being a translation of who or another way of using a Dutch version of they.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />


Dutch has three grammatical genders, masculine, feminine and neuter, but most forms are identical for masculine and feminine (while often opposed to neuter).  This makes avoidance strategies attractive. E.g. while the third person singular personal pronoun is differentiated between feminine ("zij") and masculine ("hij"), the demonstrative pronoun is identical for these two genders ("'''die'''") and can often be used instead.
Dutch has three grammatical genders, masculine, feminine and neuter, but most forms are identical for masculine and feminine (while often opposed to neuter).  This makes avoidance strategies attractive. E.g. while the third person singular personal pronoun is differentiated between feminine ("zij") and masculine ("hij"), the demonstrative pronoun is identical for these two genders ("'''die'''") and can often be used instead.


In 2016 Transgender Netwerk Nederland held a poll, in which '''hen, hen, hun''' or '''die, hen, hun''' were chosen as gender neutral pronouns.<ref name=":2" />
In 2016 Transgender Netwerk Nederland held a poll, in which '''hen, hen, hun''' or '''die, hen, hun''' were chosen as gender neutral pronouns.<ref name=":2" />
==English neutral pronouns==
==English neutral pronouns==


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==Esperanto neutral pronouns==
==Esperanto neutral pronouns==


Normally, Esperanto doesn't have any neutral pronouns for people, only female or male. Some proposed grammatical reforms suggest adding a neutral pronoun. The problem with reforms is that the mean that, since you're not speaking dictionary Esperanto, many speakers won't understand you. Esperanto is supposed to be so uniform that everyone speaks it the same and can understand it. For more information about this issue, see Wikipedia's article [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_reform_in_Esperanto gender reform in Esperanto].
Normally, Esperanto doesn't have any singular gender-neutral personal pronouns, only female or male. Some proposed grammatical reforms suggest adding a neutral pronoun. None of the proposals are recognized by the Akademio de Esperanto (Academy of Esperanto), an official body that aims to provide guidance to Esperanto users. While the Akademio takes a conservative approach to Esperanto usage, they have been known to adopt neologisms as their sustained use becomes widespread. For more information about this issue, see Wikipedia's article [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_reform_in_Esperanto gender reform in Esperanto].


Some proposed gender-neutral pronouns in non-standard Esperanto include:
Some proposed gender-neutral pronouns in non-standard Esperanto include:


'''gi'''. "A popular proposal because it is iconic: in writing, it resembles ''ĝi'', which it also resembles in meaning, and it is similar to the occasionally epicene prefix ''ge-''. This makes it readily recognizable. Also along these lines is the use of the epicene prefix itself, ''geli''."<ref name="esperanto wikipedia">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_reform_in_Esperanto Wikipedia page on gender reform in Esperanto]</ref>
'''gi'''. "A popular proposal because it is iconic: in writing, it resembles ''ĝi'' ('it'), which it also resembles in meaning, and it is similar to the occasionally epicene prefix ''ge-''. This makes it readily recognizable. Also along these lines is the use of the epicene prefix itself, ''geli''."<ref name="esperanto wikipedia">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_reform_in_Esperanto Wikipedia page on gender reform in Esperanto] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230530050443/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_reform_in_Esperanto Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
 
'''ĝi (gxi)'''. "Ĝiist Esperanto," or "ĝiismo," is a grammatical reform similar to "riism" (see ''ri'' below) that proposes using the existing pronoun ''ĝi'' ('it') as a gender-neutral pronoun when referring to a person whose gender is "unknown or unimportant" to the context, in addition to its traditional sense of referring to animals and objects. Among "ĝiists," ''ri'' is used exclusively in reference to nonbinary people.<ref name="seksneuxtrala">[https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seksne%C5%ADtrala_homa_triapersona_pronomo Esperanto Wikipedia page on gender-neutral pronouns] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230530160607/https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seksne%C5%ADtrala_homa_triapersona_pronomo Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> However, some argue that use of ''ĝi'' in reference to people is objectifying, and for this reason the popular reference ''Plena Manlibro de Esperanta Gramatiko'' advises against it.<ref name="pmeg">Wennergren, Bertilo. "[https://bertilow.com/pmeg/gramatiko/pronomoj/tria.html Tria persono]". ''[https://bertilow.com/pmeg/index.html Plena Manlibro de Esperanta Gramatiko 2022].'' Accessed 2022-08-29.</ref>


'''hi'''. Proposed "so that the gendered pronouns ''hi'' and ''ŝi'' both derive from English."<ref name="esperanto wikipedia"></ref>
'''hi/li'''. In orthodox Esperanto, ''li'' is gendered masculine ('he') when a person's gender is known, and used as the epicene singular pronoun when a person's gender is unidentified or hypothetical. "Hiist Esperanto," or "hiismo," proposes ''hi'' as a new masculine singular pronoun "so that the gendered pronouns ''hi'' and ''ŝi'' both derive from English" while retaining ''li'' only in gender-neutral contexts.<ref name="hiismo">[https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiismo Esperanto Wikipedia page on hiismo] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230522220723/https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiismo Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


'''li'''. A common proposed neutral pronoun that is "related to the epicene plural ''ili'' 'they'".<ref name="esperanto wikipedia"></ref>
'''oni'''. In orthodox Esperanto, ''oni'' is the gender-neutral indefinite/impersonal pronoun, similar to the English pronoun ''one.'' Some propose extending its use as a definite pronoun to refer to a known person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant, and/or as a personal pronoun.<ref name="seksneuxtrala"></ref>


'''ri'''. "Riist Esperanto," or "Riisim," is a grammatical reform to Esperanto that makes the language more gender-neutral in several ways. One of these changes is to replace the gendered pronouns entirely with the neutral pronoun ''ri''. This was popular for some time for the Esperanto community on the Internet in the 1990s.<ref name="esperanto wikipedia"></ref>
'''ri'''. "Riist Esperanto," or "riismo," is a grammatical reform to Esperanto that makes the language more gender-neutral in several ways. One of these changes is to replace the gendered pronouns entirely with the neutral pronoun ''ri''. This was popular for some time for the Esperanto community on the Internet in the 1990s.<ref name="esperanto wikipedia"></ref> ''Ri'' is currently favoured as a personal pronoun by nonbinary Esperantists, and is sometimes used in cases when the gender of a person is unknown or not relevant to the context.<ref name="enjoy esperanto">Owen, Tim. ''Enjoy Esperanto.'' London (2022): Teach Yourself.</ref> The widely used ''Plena Manlibro de Esperanta Gramatiko'' (''Complete Handbook of Esperanto Grammar'') no longer advises against the usage of ''ri,'' stating that, while "not everyone is familiar with" ''riismo,'' it "is, however, sufficiently widespread, especially among youth, that many who themselves do not use ''ri'' or ''ria'' [the possessive form] do understand the new words."<ref name="pmeg"></ref> An entry for ''ri'' does appear in the widely used ''Reta Vortaro'',<ref name="revo">[https://www.reta-vortaro.de/revo/dlg/index-2f.html#ri.0 ''Reta Vortaro'' entry for "ri."] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230301051159/https://www.reta-vortaro.de/revo/dlg/index-2f.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> and the English-language textbook ''Enjoy Esperanto'' includes a chapter on inclusive language, including discussion of riismo and nonbinary Esperantists.<ref name="enjoy esperanto"></ref>


'''ŝli (sxli)'''. "Instantly recognizable to most Esperantists ... This is just the reading pronunciation of the abbreviation ''ŝ/li'', the equivalent of English "s/he", and is not infrequently seen in informal writing."<ref name="esperanto wikipedia"></ref>
'''ŝli (sxli)'''. "Instantly recognizable to most Esperantists ... This is just the reading pronunciation of the abbreviation ''ŝ/li'', the equivalent of English "s/he", and is not infrequently seen in informal writing."<ref name="esperanto wikipedia"></ref>
'''tiu/ties'''. In Esperanto, ''tiu'' and ''ties'' mean 'that person' and 'that person's' respectively. They can be used as a grammatically orthodox workaround for avoiding use of gendered pronouns, but can come off as awkward and overly indirect.<ref name="seksneuxtrala"></ref>


==Estonian neutral pronouns==
==Estonian neutral pronouns==
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'''hän, hänen'''. Formal.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
'''hän, hänen'''. Formal.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />


'''se, sen'''. Means "it." Informal but used a lot in slang.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
'''se, sen'''. Means "it." Informal but used a lot in colloquial speech and slang.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />


==French neutral pronouns==
==French neutral pronouns==


In French, talking about one's self or another person in a gender-neutral way requires using created pronouns since the language only have two genders (feminine and masculine). These pronouns are not used officially, but are more and more used in gender-inclusive texts and spaces, along with gender-inclusive grammar rules for adjectives.
In French, talking about one's self or another person in a gender-neutral way requires using created pronouns since the language only have two genders (feminine and masculine). These pronouns are not used officially, but are more and more used in gender-inclusive texts and spaces, along with gender-inclusive grammar rules for adjectives. That said, these and others have been well-documented in rapidly growing literature on this topic.<ref>Knisely, K. A. (2020). Le français non-binaire: linguistic forms used by non-binary speakers of French. ''Foreign Language Annals'', ''53''(4), 850-876.</ref>


'''ile'''. A mix of the French words "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she"). Some nonbinary people in France go by this pronoun. In 2015, an [[intersex]] adult in Tours won the right to change their birth certificate to say "gender neutral". The news mentioned that this person went by "ile" pronouns.<ref name="McCormick">{{Cite web |title=France legally recognises person as ‘gender neutral’ for the first time |author=McCormick, Joseph |work=PinkNews |date=15 October 2015 |access-date=21 February 2021 |url= https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/10/15/france-legally-recognises-person-as-gender-neutral-for-the-first-time/}}</ref>
'''ile'''. A mix of the French words "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she"). Some nonbinary people in France go by this pronoun. In 2015, an [[intersex]] adult in Tours won the right to change their birth certificate to say "gender neutral". The news mentioned that this person went by "ile" pronouns.<ref name="McCormick">{{Cite web |title=France legally recognises person as ‘gender neutral’ for the first time |author=McCormick, Joseph |work=PinkNews |date=15 October 2015 |access-date=21 February 2021 |url= https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/10/15/france-legally-recognises-person-as-gender-neutral-for-the-first-time/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819192128/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/10/15/france-legally-recognises-person-as-gender-neutral-for-the-first-time/ |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref>


'''ille, illes''' A mix between "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she") that can be used in a written text but that can not be easily said out loud.<ref name="atelier queer 1">Alice Coutant, Luca Greco, Noémie Marignier. [http://www.slideshare.net/noemiemarignier/queer-week "Le chantier linguistique : éléments pour une grammaire non-binaire".] Atelier Queer Week 6 mars 2015.</ref>
'''iel, iels'''. A mix between "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she") that can be easily said out loud;<ref name="atelier queer 1" /> "li" is proposed as singular direct object form (the plural object forms and the indirect object forms are neutral anyhow). Iel is often used as a translation of english "they" both for nonbinary people and to refer as someone without referring to their gender. This is the most popular neutral pronoun.


'''iel, iels'''. A mix between "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she") that can be easily said out loud;<ref name="atelier queer 1"></ref> "li" is proposed as singular direct object form (the plural object forms and the indirect object forms are neutral anyhow). Iel is often used as a translation of english "they" both for nonbinary people and to refer as someone without referring to their gender
'''ille, illes''' A mix between "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she") that can be used in a written text but that can not be easily said out loud.<ref name="atelier queer 1">Alice Coutant, Luca Greco, Noémie Marignier. [http://www.slideshare.net/noemiemarignier/queer-week "Le chantier linguistique : éléments pour une grammaire non-binaire".] Atelier Queer Week 6 mars 2015. [https://web.archive.org/web/20221208124336/http://www.slideshare.net/noemiemarignier/queer-week Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


'''yel'''. A mix between "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she") that can be easily said out loud (for object forms, see "iel, iels").<ref name="atelier queer 1"></ref>
'''yel'''. A mix between "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she") that can be easily said out loud (for object forms, see "iel, iels").<ref name="atelier queer 1"></ref>
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'''er*'''.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" /> he*.
'''er*'''.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" /> he*.


'''er + feminine noun endings.'''<ref name=":0">Pronomen. ''Nichtbinär-Wiki.'' Accessed August 15, 2017. [https://nibi.space/pronomen#Vorname]</ref>
'''er + feminine noun endings.'''<ref name=":0">Pronomen. ''Nichtbinär-Wiki.'' Accessed August 15, 2017. [https://nibi.space/pronomen#Vorname] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230626192859/https://nibi.space/pronomen Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


'''es'''. This means "it," and isn't usually used for people. Only use this pronoun for people who ask to be called by it. Some nonbinary people do reclaim it for themselves.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" /><ref name="ttsg-german">{{cite web|title=Are there any gender neutral pronouns in German too?|work=Transgender teen survival guide (blog)|url=http://transgenderteensurvivalguide.tumblr.com/post/109131545635/are-there-any-gender-neutral-pronouns-in-german|date=25 January 2015}}</ref>
'''es'''. This means "it," and isn't usually used for people. Only use this pronoun for people who ask to be called by it. Some nonbinary people do reclaim it for themselves.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" /><ref name="ttsg-german">{{cite web|title=Are there any gender neutral pronouns in German too?|work=Transgender teen survival guide (blog)|url=http://transgenderteensurvivalguide.tumblr.com/post/109131545635/are-there-any-gender-neutral-pronouns-in-german|date=25 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827194548/https://transgenderteensurvivalguide.tumblr.com/post/109131545635/are-there-any-gender-neutral-pronouns-in-german|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>


'''sie'''. When this pronoun is used for a single person, it usually means "she." However, it also means "plural they," so some people use it as a neutral pronoun.<ref name="ttsg-german" />
'''sie'''. When this pronoun is used for a single person, it usually means "she." However, it also means "plural they," so some people use it as a neutral pronoun.<ref name="ttsg-german" />
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===Neopronouns===
===Neopronouns===
[[File:Pronouns beyond gender.png|thumb|Example usage of "dey" pronoun.]]
[[File:Pronouns beyond gender.png|thumb|Example usage of "dey" pronoun.]]
'''A.'''<ref name="hirn_DieS">{{Cite web |title=Die Sache mit den Pronomen. |trans-title= |author= |work=Ashducation |date=3 January 2016 |access-date=21 February 2021 |url= https://hirngefickt.wordpress.com/2016/01/03/die-sache-mit-den-pronomen-2/ |language=de}}</ref> First mention by a person whose name starts with A.
'''A.'''<ref name="hirn_DieS">{{Cite web |title=Die Sache mit den Pronomen. |trans-title= |author= |work=Ashducation |date=3 January 2016 |access-date=21 February 2021 |url= https://hirngefickt.wordpress.com/2016/01/03/die-sache-mit-den-pronomen-2/ |language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331104850/https://hirngefickt.wordpress.com/2016/01/03/die-sache-mit-den-pronomen-2/ |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref> First mention by a person whose name starts with A.


'''as.'''<ref name=":0" /> Based on ''es'' (it), vowel changed to mark difference between things and people.
'''as.'''<ref name=":0" /> Based on ''es'' (it), vowel changed to mark difference between things and people.


'''dey.'''<ref>Anonymous ask on ''Nonbinary Trans Germany: Trans in Deutschland''. August 10, 2016. http://nonbinarytransgermany.tumblr.com/post/148742824641/ein-befreundeter-mensch-von-mir-hat-sich-mal</ref> Based on they, changed to be more easily pronounceable in German.
'''dey.'''<ref>Anonymous ask on ''Nonbinary Trans Germany: Trans in Deutschland''. August 10, 2016. http://nonbinarytransgermany.tumblr.com/post/148742824641/ein-befreundeter-mensch-von-mir-hat-sich-mal [https://web.archive.org/web/20230331104855/https://nonbinarytransgermany.tumblr.com/post/148742824641/ein-befreundeter-mensch-von-mir-hat-sich-mal Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Based on they, changed to be more easily pronounceable in German.


'''dier/dies/diem/dien'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annaheger.de/pronomen40/|title=Version 4.0 : xier Pronomen ohne Geschlecht|author=Illi Anna Heger|language=de-DE|access-date=2021-03-17}}</ref> Relative pronoun set based on ''dier'' (pronounced [di:ɐ̯]), an alternative to ''die'' and ''der''.
'''dier/dies/diem/dien'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annaheger.de/pronomen33/|title=Version 3.3 : xier Pronomen ohne Geschlecht|author=Illi Anna Heger|language=de-DE|access-date=2021-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602091309/https://www.annaheger.de/pronomen33/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref> Relative pronoun set based on ''dier'' (pronounced [di:ɐ̯]), an alternative to ''die'' and ''der''.


'''em'''.
'''em'''.


'''er_sie'''<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />''', ersie, er:sie, er*sie.'''<ref name=":0" /> From ''er'' (he) and ''sie'' (she).
'''er_sie'''<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />''', sie_r, ersie, er:sie, er*sie.'''<ref name=":0" /> From ''er'' (he) and ''sie'' (she).


'''hän/sires/sim/sin'''.<ref name="high_Glos">{{Cite web |title=Glossar |trans-title= |author= |work=High on Clichés |date=11 December 2011 |access-date=21 February 2021 |url= https://highoncliches.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/glossar/ |language=de}}</ref> used as a replacement for ''er/sie''
'''hän/sires/sim/sin'''.<ref name="high_Glos">{{Cite web |title=Glossar |trans-title= |author= |work=High on Clichés |date=11 December 2011 |access-date=21 February 2021 |url= https://highoncliches.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/glossar/ |language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531034450/https://highoncliches.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/glossar/ |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref> used as a replacement for ''er/sie''


'''hen.'''<ref name=":0" /> borrowed from Swedish/Norwegian<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20201125190700/https://leafmiilk.tumblr.com/about</ref>
'''hen.'''<ref name=":0" /> borrowed from Swedish/Norwegian<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20201125190700/https://leafmiilk.tumblr.com/about</ref>
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'''iks.'''<ref name=":0" /> Version of ''x''.
'''iks.'''<ref name=":0" /> Version of ''x''.


'''k.'''<ref>Comment by Pennyroyal Tea on a post by Ash B. 3 January 2016 https://www.facebook.com/hirngefickt/posts/1689898591228038?comment_id=1689923207892243&comment_tracking={%22tn%22%3A%22R4%22}</ref> inplace of she/he said you say k said ''"k hat gesagt"''
'''k.'''<ref>Comment by Pennyroyal Tea on a post by Ash B. 3 January 2016 https://www.facebook.com/hirngefickt/posts/1689898591228038?comment_id=1689923207892243&comment_tracking={%22tn%22%3A%22R4%22} [https://web.archive.org/web/20180902184356/https://www.facebook.com/hirngefickt/posts/1689898591228038?comment_id=1689923207892243&comment_tracking={%22tn%22%3A%22R4%22} Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> inplace of she/he said you say k said ''"k hat gesagt"''


'''nim/nimser/nim/nin'''.<ref>Cabala de Sylvain &amp; Carsten Balzer, "Die SYLVAIN-Konventionen – Versuch einer „geschlechtergerechten“
'''nim/nimser/nim/nin'''.<ref>Cabala de Sylvain &amp; Carsten Balzer, "Die SYLVAIN-Konventionen – Versuch einer „geschlechtergerechten“
Grammatik-Transformation der deutschen Sprache." ''Liminalis''. https://web.archive.org/web/20170724231026/http://www.liminalis.de/2008_02/Liminalis-2008-Sylvain-Balzer.pdf</ref>
Grammatik-Transformation der deutschen Sprache." ''Liminalis''. https://web.archive.org/web/20170724231026/http://www.liminalis.de/2008_02/Liminalis-2008-Sylvain-Balzer.pdf</ref>


'''per'''.<ref>"Namensgebung? Pronomen? Nicht-binärer Name!" ''nibiTrans*ich'' (blog). http://nibitransich.blogspot.de/2015/06/namensgebung-non-binarer-name.html</ref> used the same as ''er/sie''
'''per'''.<ref>"Namensgebung? Pronomen? Nicht-binärer Name!" ''nibiTrans*ich'' (blog). http://nibitransich.blogspot.de/2015/06/namensgebung-non-binarer-name.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20230331104850/http://nibitransich.blogspot.de/2015/06/namensgebung-non-binarer-name.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> used the same as ''er/sie''


'''sh'he/hi'er''' Gendered neopronoun that is both masculine and feminine and derived from contractions of ''she/her'' and ''he/him'' as a gendered alternative to explicitly gender neutral and nongendered neopronouns for [[multigender]] people <ref>{{cite tweet|user=MayGriffin64 |number=1340798222617468928|title=I've kinda made my own neopronoun because none of the others really work for me. They're sh'he/hi'er and contractions of she and he and him and her. So this pronoun is explicitly gendered male and female and I do not consider it gender neutral.|date= 20 December 2020}}</ref>
'''sh'he/hi'er''' Gendered neopronoun that is both masculine and feminine and derived from contractions of ''she/her'' and ''he/him'' as a gendered alternative to explicitly gender neutral and nongendered neopronouns for [[multigender]] people <ref>{{cite tweet|user=MayGriffin64 |number=1340798222617468928|title=I've kinda made my own neopronoun because none of the others really work for me. They're sh'he/hi'er and contractions of she and he and him and her. So this pronoun is explicitly gendered male and female and I do not consider it gender neutral.|date= 20 December 2020}}</ref>


'''sier/sieser/siem/sien''' with possessive pronouns based on root "sies".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annaheger.de/pronomen21/|title=Version 2.1 : sier Pronomen ohne Geschlecht|author=Illi Anna Heger|language=de-DE|access-date=2021-06-09}}</ref>  
'''sier/sieser/siem/sien''' with possessive pronouns based on root "sies".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annaheger.de/pronomen21/|title=Version 2.1 : sier Pronomen ohne Geschlecht|author=Illi Anna Heger|language=de-DE|access-date=2021-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604175624/https://www.annaheger.de/pronomen21/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>  


'''sif/sis/sim/sin''' with possessive pronouns based on root "sir".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annaheger.de/pronomen10/|title=Version 1.0 : sif Pronomen ohne Geschlecht|author=Illi Anna Heger|language=de-DE|access-date=2021-03-17}}</ref>
'''sif/sis/sim/sin''' with possessive pronouns based on root "sir".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annaheger.de/pronomen10/|title=Version 1.0 : sif Pronomen ohne Geschlecht|author=Illi Anna Heger|language=de-DE|access-date=2021-03-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604162417/https://www.annaheger.de/pronomen10/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>


'''they.'''<ref>Geschlechtsneutrale Sprache | Gender-neutral language. ''Nonbinary Trans Germany: Trans in Deutschland.'' http://nonbinarytransgermany.tumblr.com/language</ref> Used just like in English.
'''they.'''<ref>Geschlechtsneutrale Sprache | Gender-neutral language. ''Nonbinary Trans Germany: Trans in Deutschland.'' http://nonbinarytransgermany.tumblr.com/language [https://web.archive.org/web/20230623035307/https://nonbinarytransgermany.tumblr.com/language Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Used just like in English.


'''x'''.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" /> Has been criticised for being racist when used by white people.<ref>"Warum das x-Pronomen mir Bauchschmerzen bereitet" ''Tea-Riffic'' (blog). [http://teariffic.de/2015/02/18/warum-das-x-pronomen-mir-bauchschmerzen-bereitet/]</ref>
'''x'''.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" /> Has been criticised for being racist when used by white people.<ref>"Warum das x-Pronomen mir Bauchschmerzen bereitet" ''Tea-Riffic'' (blog). [http://teariffic.de/2015/02/18/warum-das-x-pronomen-mir-bauchschmerzen-bereitet/] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230331104851/http://teariffic.de/2015/02/18/warum-das-x-pronomen-mir-bauchschmerzen-bereitet/ Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


'''xier/xieser/xiem/xien'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annaheger.de/pronomen40/|title=Version 4.0 : xier Pronomen ohne Geschlecht|author=Illi Anna Heger|language=de-DE|access-date=2021-03-17}}</ref> Personal pronoun set based on ''xier'' (pronounced [ksi:ɐ̯]), an alternative to ''er'' and ''sie''. And '''xies''' can be used as the base to matching possessive pronouns, that are declensed with endings you would use for ''sein'' and ''ihr'',  '''xies/xiese/xieses/xiesem/xiesen'''
'''xier/xieser/xiem/xien'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annaheger.de/pronomen33/|title=Version 3.3 : xier Pronomen ohne Geschlecht|author=Illi Anna Heger|language=de-DE|access-date=2021-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602091309/https://www.annaheger.de/pronomen33/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref> Pronoun set based on ''xier'' (pronounced [ksi:ɐ̯]), an alternative to ''er'' and ''sie'' developed by Illi Anna Heger. And '''xies''' can be used as the base to matching possessive pronouns, that are declensed with endings you would use for ''sein'' and ''ihr'',  '''xiese/xieses/xiesem/xiesen/xieser.''' <ref>https://www.annaheger.de/pronouns/</ref>


'''z, zet.'''<ref>@pandanouk. September 5, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160906155158/https://twitter.com/pandanouk/status/772895165551874049</ref> replacement for er/sie
'''z, zet.'''<ref>@pandanouk. September 5, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160906155158/https://twitter.com/pandanouk/status/772895165551874049</ref> replacement for er/sie
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== Hebrew Neutral Pronouns ==
== Hebrew Neutral Pronouns ==
Hebrew has masculine/feminine gender distinction in both singular and plural second- and third-person pronouns, so there's no option for a genderless third-person plural pronoun (like in English) or second-person pronoun (like in Arabic). For this reason:
Hebrew has masculine/feminine gender distinction in both singular and plural second- and third-person pronouns, so there's no option for a genderless third-person plural pronoun (like in English) or second-person pronoun (like in Arabic). For this reason, '''הֵם‎''' ''hem,'' traditionally the masculine third-person plural pronoun, is used as a singular third-person pronoun by many nonbinary Hebrew speakers.


'''הֵם‎''' ''hem,'' traditionally the masculine third-person plural pronoun, is used as a singular third-person pronoun by many nonbinary Hebrew speakers.  
The choice of this pronoun may be due to the somewhat neutral nature of the third-person plural masculine, which is used with mixed-gender groups. Some may choose the third-person plural because it is closest to the English ''they''.<ref>Bryant, Andrea R. (2021). ''Beyond they/them: a typology of nonbinary pronoun and agreement innovation'' (Bachelor's thesis). Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1epd7v5NMvAeRcL3_RakfuQZgE84C3eAN/view?usp=sharing [https://web.archive.org/web/20230521191606/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1epd7v5NMvAeRcL3_RakfuQZgE84C3eAN/view?usp=sharing Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


The choice of this pronoun may be due to the somewhat neutral nature of the third-person plural masculine, which is used with mixed-gender groups. Some may choose the third-person plural because it is closest to the English ''they''.<ref>Bryant, A. (2021). ''Beyond they/them: a typology of nonbinary pronoun and agreement innovation'' (Bachelor's thesis). Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1epd7v5NMvAeRcL3_RakfuQZgE84C3eAN/view?usp=sharing</ref>
Some Hebrew speakers who are nonbinary may choose to use the masculine and feminine pronouns interchangeably.<ref name="Lipson">{{Cite web |title=How Language Classes Are Moving Past the Gender Binary |last=Lipson |first=By Molly |work=New York Times |date=1 September 2021 |access-date=1 September 2021 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/01/crosswords/gender-language-nonbinary.html |quote=Mx. Janner-Klausner, who teaches in Jerusalem, asks their students to refer to them using male and female pronouns interchangeably.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219210609/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/01/crosswords/gender-language-nonbinary.html |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref>


==Icelandic neutral pronouns==
==Icelandic neutral pronouns==
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Icelandic has three grammatical genders, feminine, masculine and neuter. In the plural, it is colloquial to use the neuter for a mixed-gender group of people or for people of unknown gender.
Icelandic has three grammatical genders, feminine, masculine and neuter. In the plural, it is colloquial to use the neuter for a mixed-gender group of people or for people of unknown gender.


For the singular, the third-person pronoun "hán" has been proposed, (genitive "háns", dative "háni", accusative "hán").<ref>Hann, hún og það... eða hvað? https://skemman.is/bitstream/1946/24447/1/Selma%20Sverris.pdf</ref>
For the singular, the third-person pronoun "hán" has been proposed, (genitive "háns", dative "háni", accusative "hán").<ref>Hann, hún og það... eða hvað? https://skemman.is/bitstream/1946/24447/1/Selma%20Sverris.pdf [https://web.archive.org/web/20220717210404/https://skemman.is/bitstream/1946/24447/1/Selma%20Sverris.pdf Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


''See also the page [[Gender neutral language in Icelandic]].''
''See also the page [[Gender neutral language in Icelandic]].''
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== Italian neutral pronouns==
== Italian neutral pronouns==


Italian is a very binary language, with two grammatical genders, masculine and feminine. In writing, signs like * or @ or the letter x are sometimes used where the feminine has "a" and the masculine has "o", although no specific pronunciation is linked to them. Some people use "u" when speaking in these cases, others the dialectal ending "ə" (as there is no standard spelling linked to this sound, "@" might sometimes be used to represent this pronunciation). This applies to a lot of words, such as nouns, adjectives and to a lesser degree articles. There seems to be no clear solution for plural forms.<ref>http://pasionaria.it/genere-non-binario-tutte-le-risposte-alle-tue-domande/</ref> <ref>https://nonbinary.noblogs.org/sample-page/</ref>  
Italian is a very binary language, with two grammatical genders, masculine and feminine. In writing, signs like * or @ or the letter x are sometimes used where the feminine has "a" and the masculine has "o", although no specific pronunciation is linked to them. Some people use "u" when speaking in these cases, others the dialectal ending "ə" (as there is no standard spelling linked to this sound, "@" might sometimes be used to represent this pronunciation). This applies to a lot of words, such as nouns, adjectives and to a lesser degree articles. There seems to be no clear solution for plural forms.<ref>http://pasionaria.it/genere-non-binario-tutte-le-risposte-alle-tue-domande/ [https://web.archive.org/web/20230530184459/https://pasionaria.it/genere-non-binario-tutte-le-risposte-alle-tue-domande/ Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> <ref>https://nonbinary.noblogs.org/sample-page/ [https://web.archive.org/web/20180902184440/https://nonbinary.noblogs.org/sample-page/ Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>  


This usage can be applied to some third person pronouns, e.g. the object forms "lo" and "la" may in this way be replaced by "lu" or "l@".  The subject forms "egli" and "ella" are already less evident, but "elu"/"el@" is thinkable. The other subject forms “lui” and “lei” can be replaced by “lxi” or ”l*i”.The third person plural "loro" is gender-neutral and can be used as subject and as direct object (It is sometimes proposed to use this as singular as well, a translation of the English singular they). However, there is as yet no full table of proposed neo-pronouns.
This usage can be applied to some third person pronouns, e.g. the object forms "lo" and "la" may in this way be replaced by "lu" or "l@".  The subject forms "egli" and "ella" are already less evident, but "elu"/"el@" is thinkable. The other subject forms “lui” and “lei” can be replaced by “lxi” or ”l*i”.The third person plural "loro" is gender-neutral and can be used as subject and as direct object (It is sometimes proposed to use this as singular as well, a translation of the English singular they). However, there is as yet no full table of proposed neo-pronouns.
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==Portuguese neutral pronouns==
==Portuguese neutral pronouns==


''See also: and [[glossary of Portuguese gender and sex terminology]]''.
''See also: [[Gender neutral language in Portuguese]] and [[glossary of Portuguese gender and sex terminology]]''.


The Portuguese language (português) doesn't normally have neutral pronouns and indicates gender by letters in pronouns, ''el'''a''' (she)'' and ''el'''e''' (he)''. However, people have created some new, neutral pronouns, which are used in some groups. These include:
The Portuguese language (português) doesn't normally have neutral pronouns and indicates gender by letters in pronouns, ''el'''a''' (she)'' and ''el'''e''' (he)''. However, people have created some new, neutral pronouns, which are used in some groups. These include:
'''ile, dile, nile.''' This was the first gender neutral pronoun created for Portuguese.[46] [47] [48]


'''el@, del@, nel@'''. This uses an @ (at symbol) to show ambiguity of the letter. This only works in writing.
'''el@, del@, nel@'''. This uses an @ (at symbol) to show ambiguity of the letter. This only works in writing.


'''elx, delx, nelx'''. This uses an x to show ambiguity of the letter.<ref name=":1">[https://orientando.org/listas/tipos-de-linguagem/]''Orientando, um espaço de aprendizagem.'' Tipos de linguagem.</ref>
'''elx, delx, nelx'''. This uses an x to show ambiguity of the letter.<ref name=":1">[https://orientando.org/listas/tipos-de-linguagem/]''Orientando, um espaço de aprendizagem.'' Tipos de linguagem. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230606023545/https://orientando.org/listas/tipos-de-linguagem/ Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


'''elu, delu, nelu.''' This uses an u to show ambiguity of the letter. It's the most recommended to be used to include visually disabled people. This pronoun has some variations in its writing and pronunciation: '''''êlu, dêlu, nêlu; élu, délu, nélu.''''' <ref name=":1" />
'''elu, delu, nelu.''' This uses an u to show ambiguity of the letter. It's the second most recommended to be used to include visually disabled people. This pronoun has some variations in its writing and pronunciation: '''''êlu, dêlu, nêlu; élu, délu, nélu.'''''<ref name=":1" />


'''el, del, nel.''' This isn't gender specific as it doesn't indicate any gender by the absence of a gendered letter.<ref name=":1" />
'''el, del, nel.''' This isn't gender specific as it doesn't indicate any gender by the absence of a gendered letter.<ref name=":1" />
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'''éli, déli, néli.''' This has a similar pronunciation as the male pronoun ''ele'', but shows ambiguity by the use of '''''i'''''. And as the above, it also has variations: '''''eli, deli, neli.'''''<ref name=":1" />
'''éli, déli, néli.''' This has a similar pronunciation as the male pronoun ''ele'', but shows ambiguity by the use of '''''i'''''. And as the above, it also has variations: '''''eli, deli, neli.'''''<ref name=":1" />


'''''íli, díli, níli.''''' This shows ambiguity by the letter ''i.'' Some variations can be found: '''''ílu, dílu, nílu; ílo, dílo, nílo; ile, dile, nile; ilo, dilo, nilo.'''''<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=UM GUIA PARA PROMOVER A LINGUAGEM INCLUSIVA EM PORTUGUÊS {{!}} diversitybbox|url=https://diversitybbox.com/pt/um-guia-para-promover-a-linguagem-inclusiva-em-portugues/|access-date=2020-11-28|language=pt-BR}}</ref>
'''''íli, díli, níli.''''' This shows ambiguity by the letter ''i.'' Some variations can be found: '''''ílu, dílu, nílu; ílo, dílo, nílo; ile, dile, nile; ilo, dilo, nilo.'''''<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=UM GUIA PARA PROMOVER A LINGUAGEM INCLUSIVA EM PORTUGUÊS {{!}} diversitybbox|url=https://diversitybbox.com/pt/um-guia-para-promover-a-linguagem-inclusiva-em-portugues/|access-date=2020-11-28|language=pt-BR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704235400/https://diversitybbox.com/pt/um-guia-para-promover-a-linguagem-inclusiva-em-portugues|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>


'''''ély, dély, nély.''''' As the pronoun '''''éli, déli''''', its pronunciation is very simillar to ''ele.'' Some variations are: '''''ely, dely, nely; élw, délw, nélw'''''.<ref name=":1" />
'''''ély, dély, nély.''''' As the pronoun '''''éli, déli''''', its pronunciation is very simillar to ''ele.'' Some variations are: '''''ely, dely, nely; élw, délw, nélw'''''.<ref name=":1" />
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'''''eld, deld, neld.''''' This show ambiguity by the usage of ''d.''<ref name=":1" />
'''''eld, deld, neld.''''' This show ambiguity by the usage of ''d.''<ref name=":1" />


'''''yn, dyn, nyn.''''' This pronoun is very different and doesn't follow the structure of '''''"el_, del_, nel_".''''' <ref name=":1" />
'''''yn, dyn, nyn.''''' This pronoun is very different and doesn't follow the structure of '''''"el_, del_, nel_".'''''<ref name=":1" />
 
'''éle, déle, néle'''. This pronoun follows the Spanish ''elle'' pattern, drawing a line between é from ''éla'' and -e from ''ele''.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Linguagem neutra de gêneros gramaticais|url=https://pt.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Linguagem_neutra_de_g%C3%AAneros_gramaticais&oldid=59774204|journal=Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre|date=2020-11-11|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508022220/https://pt.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Linguagem_neutra_de_g%C3%AAneros_gramaticais&oldid=59774204|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>
 
'''elae, delae, nelae.''' This combines ''ela'' with ''ele''.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Sistema elu|url=https://pt.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sistema_elu&oldid=59363650|journal=Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre|date=2020-09-16|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508021903/https://pt.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sistema_elu&oldid=59363650|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Em defesa de uma multiplicidade de pronomes|url=https://medium.com/@ttextos/em-defesa-de-uma-multiplicidade-de-pronomes-ff226184e99a|website=Medium|date=2018-02-19|access-date=2020-11-28|language=en|last=T|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615123627/https://medium.com/@ttextos/em-defesa-de-uma-multiplicidade-de-pronomes-ff226184e99a|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>
 
'''êla, dêla, nêla.''' This combines ''ele'' (êle) with ''ela''.<ref>Carvalho, Danniel. (2021). [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350671835_Sobre_genero_e_a_invencao_de_um_pronome_nao-binario Sobre gênero e a invenção de um pronome não-binário]. ''researchgate.net'' [https://web.archive.org/web/20221224180116/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350671835_Sobre_genero_e_a_invencao_de_um_pronome_nao-binario Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
 
== Russian neutral pronouns ==
The Russian language (русский язык) has three singular third person pronouns: masculine "он" (''on''), feminine "она" (''ona''), and neuter "оно" (''ono''). The highly gendered nature of the language makes it difficult for nonbinary speakers to describe themselves, and some reject pronouns and gendered verbs altogether.
 
'''Alternating pronouns -''' Some nonbinary Russian speakers alternate between ''on'' and ''ona''.
 
'''Ono (оно) -''' The use of ''ono'' as a gender neutral pronoun is controversial even within the nonbinary community, as some people consider it to be dehumanizing. It traditionally means 'it' and in general Russian's neuter grammatical gender refers mostly to inanimate/nonhuman things or young children. In the other 5 grammatical cases ''ono'' also looks the same as the masculine pronoun. However, some nonbinary speakers reclaim the word.<ref>[https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2018/08/24/lost-for-words-non-binary-russians-fight-the-limits-of-their-language-a62650 Lost for Words: Non-Binary Russians Fight The Limits of Their Language] ''Moscow Times'', 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2023.</ref>
 
'''On(a), on_a (он[а], он_а) -''' Combining ''on'' and ''ona'' using parenthesis or a 'gender gap' (underscore) can be done as well. This is considered an option mostly for writing, but some people use it orally as well by putting a pause between the masculine and the feminine.<ref>[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11185-021-09241-6 Prospects and challenges of gender neutralization in Russian] ''Russian Linguistics'' 45. 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2023.</ref>


'''éle, déle, néle'''. This pronoun follows the Spanish ''elle'' pattern, drawing a line between é from ''éla'' and -e from ''ele''.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Linguagem neutra de gêneros gramaticais|url=https://pt.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Linguagem_neutra_de_g%C3%AAneros_gramaticais&oldid=59774204|journal=Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre|date=2020-11-11|language=pt}}</ref>
'''Ony (они) -''' The traditional third person plural pronoun. Some people use this to refer to a singular nonbinary person, like ''they'' in English, although this can get difficult when referring to oneself due to the highly gendered nature of Russian verbs and adjectives.


'''elae, delae, nelae.''' This combines ela with ele.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Sistema elu|url=https://pt.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sistema_elu&oldid=59363650|journal=Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre|date=2020-09-16|language=pt}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Em defesa de uma multiplicidade de pronomes|url=https://medium.com/@ttextos/em-defesa-de-uma-multiplicidade-de-pronomes-ff226184e99a|website=Medium|date=2018-02-19|access-date=2020-11-28|language=en|last=T}}</ref>
'''Oh (ох/ех) -''' A neopronoun that does not follow the same format as ''on''/''ona''/''ono''.
 
'''Onzh (онж/егж) -''' Another neopronoun that follows the same format as ''on'' or ''ono'' but with the letter zhe (ж).
 
'''One (оне/нех) -''' A neopronoun. It uses the ending '''-ле''' in verb conjugation.<ref>'''[https://ru.pronouns.page/%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B5 <nowiki>оне/нех/[-ле] Неоместоимения</nowiki>]''' Pronouns-page. Accessed 22 July 2023.</ref>


==Slovak neutral pronouns==
==Slovak neutral pronouns==
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''See also: [[Gender neutral language#Spanish|gender neutral language - Spanish]] and [[glossary of Spanish gender and sex terminology]]''.
''See also: [[Gender neutral language#Spanish|gender neutral language - Spanish]] and [[glossary of Spanish gender and sex terminology]]''.


The Spanish language (español) doesn't normally have neutral pronouns. However, people have created some new, neutral pronouns, which are used in some groups that are sensitive about LGBT, feminist, and social justice issues. Most of these neutral pronouns work by taking the feminine pronoun, ''ella'', and the standard abstract neuter pronoun ''ello'' (which can't be used for people), and substituting a different letter or symbol for the masculine "o" or feminine "a" ending. This approach of substituting a letter is shared by creating other parts of gender neutral language in Spanish, such as neutral-gender endings for adjectives. See [[Gender neutral language#Spanish|gender neutral language - Spanish]] for information about that. These new, neutral pronouns include:
The Spanish language (español) doesn't normally have neutral pronouns. However, people have created some new, neutral pronouns, which are used in some groups that are responsive and allies to LGBT, feminist, and social justice issues. Most of these neutral pronouns work by taking the feminine pronoun, ''ella'', and the standard abstract neuter pronoun ''ello'' (which can't be used for people), and substituting a different letter or symbol for the masculine "o" or feminine "a" ending. This approach of substituting a letter is shared by creating other parts of gender neutral language in Spanish, such as neutral-gender endings for adjectives. See [[Gender neutral language#Spanish|gender neutral language - Spanish]] for information about that. These new, neutral pronouns include:


'''ele'''. A neutral pronoun that is a mix of the masculine pronoun ''él'' ("he") and a proposed gender-neutral ending letter, -e. This is less common. The plural would be '''elles'''.<ref name="tawnyflower spanish">Phoenix Tawnyflower. "Nonbinary Spanish." May 24, 2014. ''Reflections of a Queer Artist'' (personal blog). http://phoenixtawnyflower.blogspot.com/2014/05/nonbinary-spanish.html</ref>
'''ele'''. A neutral pronoun that is a mix of the masculine pronoun ''él'' ("he") and a proposed gender-neutral ending letter, -e. This is less common. The plural would be '''elles'''.<ref name="tawnyflower spanish">Phoenix Tawnyflower. "Nonbinary Spanish." May 24, 2014. ''Reflections of a Queer Artist'' (personal blog). http://phoenixtawnyflower.blogspot.com/2014/05/nonbinary-spanish.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20220924210924/https://phoenixtawnyflower.blogspot.com/2014/05/nonbinary-spanish.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


'''ell_'''. A neutral pronoun that can't be said out loud. This is less common. The _ (underscore) means that the "a" or "o" is left out.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
'''ell_'''. A neutral pronoun that can't be said out loud. This is less common. The _ (underscore) means that the "a" or "o" is left out.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
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'''ell@'''. A neutral pronoun that can't be said out loud, or else is pronounced like "ellao". This is non-standard, but one of the most common of these. The @ (at symbol) is meant to be seen as a mix between an "a" and an "o".<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
'''ell@'''. A neutral pronoun that can't be said out loud, or else is pronounced like "ellao". This is non-standard, but one of the most common of these. The @ (at symbol) is meant to be seen as a mix between an "a" and an "o".<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />


'''elle'''. A neutral pronoun that can be easily said out loud. This is non-standard, but one of the most common of these.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" /> It's used by nonbinary people in Chile.<ref>http://linguaphiles.livejournal.com/5990300.html</ref>
'''elle'''. A neutral pronoun that can be easily said out loud. This is non-standard, but one of the most common of these.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" /> It's used by nonbinary people in Chile.<ref>http://linguaphiles.livejournal.com/5990300.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20230605124148/http://linguaphiles.livejournal.com/5990300.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


'''elli'''. A neutral pronoun that can be said out loud. It's uncommonly used.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
'''elli'''. A neutral pronoun that can be said out loud. It's uncommonly used.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
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'''ello'''. A neutral pronoun that can be easily said out loud. It's uncommonly used<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" /> and it's considered rude, since it's the pronoun used for things (similar to English 'it').
'''ello'''. A neutral pronoun that can be easily said out loud. It's uncommonly used<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" /> and it's considered rude, since it's the pronoun used for things (similar to English 'it').


'''ellx'''. A neutral pronoun that can't be said out loud. This non-standard, but one of the more common of these. Note that, unlike English coinages such as "princex," which is only for people of color, a neutral x in Spanish is not only for people of color. "Ellx" can be used by white people as well.<ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />
'''ellx'''. A neutral pronoun that can't be said out loud. This non-standard, but one of the more common of these. <ref name="rabbitglitter ML pronouns" />


'''ol'''. A neutral pronoun. Non-standard and uncommon. The plural would be '''olles'''. This would go with the non-standard definite article that is also ''ol''.<ref name="tawnyflower spanish"></ref>
'''ol'''. A neutral pronoun. Non-standard and uncommon. The plural would be '''olles'''. This would go with the non-standard definite article that is also ''ol''.<ref name="tawnyflower spanish"></ref>
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Some neutral pronouns in West Frisian language (Frysk) include:
Some neutral pronouns in West Frisian language (Frysk) include:


'''je, jin, jins'''.<ref>http://www.erfgoed-fundaasje.nl/de-stichtingen-frysk-en-frij-en-erfgoed-fundaasje-opereare-genderneutraal/</ref> These pronouns do exist as indefinite pronouns, though their use for referring to a specific person isn't very common.
'''je, jin, jins'''.<ref>http://www.erfgoed-fundaasje.nl/de-stichtingen-frysk-en-frij-en-erfgoed-fundaasje-opereare-genderneutraal/ [https://web.archive.org/web/20211019154108/https://www.erfgoed-fundaasje.nl/de-stichtingen-frysk-en-frij-en-erfgoed-fundaasje-opereare-genderneutraal/ Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> These pronouns do exist as indefinite pronouns, though their use for referring to a specific person isn't very common.
 
== Yiddish neutral pronouns ==
Gender-neutral pronouns in Yiddish language (ייִדיש) include:
 
'''zey, zeyer, zeyere (זיי, זייער, זייערע) -''' The third person plural pronoun, which many nonbinary Yiddishists use as singular. It is conjugated as plural while the name of the person followed by a verb stays singular, likely due to the influence of English on the language.
 
=== '''Neopronouns''' ===
'''fey, fer, feyer (פֿיי, פֿער, פֿייער) -''' Also spelled '''fey, feyer, feyere (פֿיי, פֿֿייער, פֿייערע)'''. Basically equivalent to English fae/faer/faers.<ref>https://ingeveb.org/pedagogy/queer-family-tree Bach, Alona, Rebecca Araten, Ethan Nosanow Levin, and Carolyn Beard. “''Undzer Mishpokhe'': A Queer Yiddish Curriculum Supplement.” In geveb (April 2022): Accessed Jul 21, 2023.</ref> Some people do not use them because they have the same first three letters as the f-slur in Yiddish.
 
'''ez, zim, zir (עז, זים, זיר) -''' Neopronouns with no English equivalent. They are based off of all three singular third person pronouns: ''er (ער)'', ''zi (זי)'', and ''es (עס)''.
 
'''zi.er, zi_er, zier (זי.ער, זי—ער, זיער) -''' Combinations of he ''(er - ער)'' and she ''(zi - זי)''.


==See also==
==See also==
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*[http://www.pronouns.failedslacker.com/ Failedslacker's Pronoun Dressing Room]. Choose a set of pronouns, and this page will show you how those pronouns look in action, by automatically putting them into sample texts from literature. Use this tool to test pronouns that you like, to see how they look in use.
*[http://www.pronouns.failedslacker.com/ Failedslacker's Pronoun Dressing Room]. Choose a set of pronouns, and this page will show you how those pronouns look in action, by automatically putting them into sample texts from literature. Use this tool to test pronouns that you like, to see how they look in use.
*[http://www.practicewithpronouns.com/ Practice With Pronouns]. A game that lets you practice putting pronouns into different parts of sample sentences, so that you can get used to the grammar.
*[http://www.practicewithpronouns.com/ Practice With Pronouns]. A game that lets you practice putting pronouns into different parts of sample sentences, so that you can get used to the grammar.
*[http://pronoun.is/ Pronoun Island]. Anyone can put in any pronouns they can imagine, and it makes a page that shows how to use them in a sentence, which a person can link to in order to show these particular usage examples to other people.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20190124010616/http://pronoun.is/ Pronoun Island]. Anyone can put in any pronouns they can imagine, and it makes a page that shows how to use them in a sentence, which a person can link to in order to show these particular usage examples to other people.
*[https://pronouny.xyz/ Pronouny]. Website where you can create an account to share your pronouns.
*[https://pronouny.xyz/ Pronouny]. Website where you can create an account to share your pronouns.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20201005220311/https://anagnori.tumblr.com/post/75752291700/a-non-binary-persons-guide-to-invented-pronouns A Non-Binary Person's Guide to Invented Pronouns]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20201005220311/https://anagnori.tumblr.com/post/75752291700/a-non-binary-persons-guide-to-invented-pronouns A Non-Binary Person's Guide to Invented Pronouns]


==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />46. Manifesto Ile para uma comunicação radicalemnte inclusiva
 
https://diversitybbox.com/pt/manifesto-ile-para-uma-comunicacao-radicalmente-inclusiva/ 
 
47. Guia Linguagem Inclusiva HBO e [DIVERSITY BBOX]
 
<nowiki>https://pji.portaldosjornalistas.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/GuiaTodxsNos.pdf</nowiki>       
 
48. How Neutral Pronouns in Portuguese Began - Entenda o gênero não binário e a importância de usar pronomes neutros


<nowiki>https://vogue.globo.com/atualidades/noticia/2021/06/entenda-o-genero-nao-binario-e-importancia-de-usar-pronomes-neutros.html</nowiki>
[[Category:Gender neutral language]]
[[Category:Gender neutral language]]


[[de:Pronomen]]
[[de:Pronomen]]

Latest revision as of 08:16, 21 October 2024

« I traded off they/them/their pronouns for he/him/his pronouns. I made this switch because I realized just how much I truly enjoy being acknowledged as a guy. »
Zayden, 26[1]

Pronouns are a part of language used to refer to someone or something without using proper nouns. In standard English, some singular third-person pronouns are "he" and "she," which are usually seen as gender-specific pronouns, referring to a man and a woman, respectively. A gender-neutral pronoun or gender-inclusive pronoun is one that gives no implications about gender, and could be used for someone of any gender. Some languages only have gender-neutral pronouns, whereas other languages have difficulty establishing any that aren't gender-specific. People with nonbinary gender identities often choose new third-person pronouns for themselves as part of their transition. They often choose gender-neutral pronouns so that others won't see them as female or male.

Use for nonbinary people[edit | edit source]

Although many gender-neutral pronouns were created to speak of no specific person, some nonbinary people adopt these pronouns for themselves. They ask that other people call them only by one particular set of gender-neutral pronouns. This can be a part of a nonbinary person's social transition.

Examples of specific nonbinary people's pronouns[edit | edit source]

Some nonbinary people ask to be called by gender-neutral pronouns. Other nonbinary people ask to be called by "he" or "she" pronouns, some of whom see that as a gender-neutral use of those words. The use of binary pronouns doesn't necessarily mean that someone has a binary gender identity. Some nonbinary people have more than one set of pronouns that they are okay with people using for them.

He. Some specific nonbinary people who ask to be called by "he/him" pronouns include writer Richard O'Brien.

She. Nonbinary people who ask people to use "she/her" pronouns for them include public speaker Olave Basabose, internet personality Left at London, musician JD Samson, activist Kate Bornstein (who also goes by "they")[2] and comedian Eddie Izzard[3].

They. Some nonbinary people ask to be called by "singular they" pronouns, including comedian Jes Tom, writer Ivan E. Coyote, actor Jiz Lee, writer R.B. Lemberg, singer-songwriter Rae Spoon, performance poet Kae Tempest[4] and musician Stevie Knipe.

Other pronouns. Nonbinary people who go by other pronouns include singer Mx Justin Vivian Bond, who goes by v pronouns. "Ze, hir" pronouns are the preferred pronouns of revolutionary communist Leslie Feinberg (who also went by she)[5].

Any pronouns. Some nonbinary people have no specific pronoun they want used; they are okay with any and all pronouns. For example, the model Rain Dove, voice actor Casey Mongillo, and makeup artist Justin Saint.

No pronouns. Some nonbinary people wish that no third-person pronouns be used, preferring their name or another descriptor be used in place of pronouns. For example, the evangelist Public Universal Friend and the software developer Lianna Newman.

Surveys[edit | edit source]

There have been a few surveys on gender-neutral pronouns and pronoun preferences.

  • This survey by anlamasanda on Tumblr ran for many months. The results were published at the start of 2012, and showed that of the 800+ people responding, singular "they" was the most popular pronoun at 62%. Commentary.
  • This survey by Lottelodge (now cassolotl) on Tumblr ran for two months. The results were published in July 2013, and showed that of over 2,000 respondents singular "they" was the most popular pronoun at 63%. Commentary. This rose to 74% in 2015,[6] and 77% in 2016.[7]
  • Nonbinary Stats Survey of 2016 ran in January for 8 days, and published its results in March. The most popular pronoun was "they," at 77.5%, followed by she, he, "mix it up," and a preference to not have others pronouns for one at all. The survey recorded 123 different pronoun sets in use among 3055 nonbinary people, of which, 90 pronouns were entered only once.

How to change your pronouns[edit | edit source]

If you are nonbinary and want to change your pronouns, this is a purely social part of your transition, rather than one using paperwork. First, you should put some thought into choosing pronouns that feel satisfactory to you. Research and experiment to find out what feels right. Next, you need to tell other people. As a part of social transition, you need cooperation from other people in order to be called by the pronouns you want, so it's important to keep your composure as well as stay firm. You can help remind people of your pronouns by wearing them on a badge or writing them in your social media profile.

Choosing your pronouns[edit | edit source]

First, form your opinions on what you want from your new pronouns. Next, list your favorite pronouns, and compare them to your opinions so that you can list their pros and cons. Meanwhile, test your favorite pronouns out loud and in writing, to see how they feel to you in action. You might want to think about why exactly you do not like your "original" pronoun.

Form opinions[edit | edit source]

You can use several criteria to help rank and decide between different pronouns. See Pronouns criteria for a whole list.

Compare them[edit | edit source]

Next, after you decide what criteria you want for your pronouns, browse a list of pronouns. You can find such a list for the English language at English neutral pronouns on this wiki. Other lists are available at Talk:English neutral pronouns, Nounself pronouns, on Wiktionary, on Pronoun-Provider.tumblr.com, or in Failedslacker's Pronoun Dressing Room. Write down a list of the ones you like. Put them in a table, with columns for what you see as the good and bad traits of those pronouns. After you finish assessing them all, write down your concluding opinion about each in the last column. Here is a small example of such a table.

Pronoun Pros Cons Conclusion
ve, verself Used in a book I like Doesn't sound right to me Maybe no
E, Emself Common, easy to say Too short? Maybe yes

You can use the above table as your template. Create your own table in a word processor, or draw it by hand in your journal. Although the above table only compares two sets of pronouns, you can add rows for as many pronouns that interest you. You don't need to form your conclusions on all pronouns in one sitting. Perhaps over the course of a few days, take your time to form your opinions on each pronoun set, and return periodically to add more notes to your pronoun table.

Test them[edit | edit source]

At the same time as you work on the above table of pros and cons, test the pronouns that you might like. Try them in several ways: in writing, out loud, and in reference to you. If you have friends who understand, test out having them call you by these pronouns for a little while. You can help your friends with this by wearing a pronoun badge (see below). You can also test how your pronouns look in writing by using web-sites that put them into a text. Such sites include Genderev's Pronoun Try-On, Pronouns And Names Tester, Failedslacker's Pronoun Dressing Room, Pronoun Island and PracticeWithPronouns.com. You may find that you feel differently about the pronouns when they are in action, and when they are in reference to you.

Announcing your change of pronouns[edit | edit source]

When you have settled on your chosen set of pronouns, you need to tell people, so they can start using them for you. Announce it to them by a handwritten letter, e-mail, or blog post. Keep your message polite, and say "please" and "thank you." In order to be complete, and to address the first questions the reader might ask, your announcement should include these parts:

  • Opening: Assuming that you have already come out to these people as nonbinary, your announcement message should open with a reminder of that, as part of the explanation for why you want to change your pronouns.
  • List all the grammatical forms of your new pronouns.
  • Show people how to use these pronouns by giving an example of them in use in a sentence or several.
  • You might tell how to pronounce the pronouns.
  • Briefly say why you chose these pronouns rather than others.
  • If you use two sets of pronouns, explain which set is more appropriate, under what conditions.
  • Conclusion: Request that people use these pronouns for you.

Based on the above, here is a sample letter of a fictional person announcing their pronoun change. You can use it as a template for writing your own.

Dear Stuart,

As you know, I have a nonbinary gender identity, meaning that I don't think of myself as a woman or a man. I'm transitioning to a gender expression that feels more like the real me. Since being called "he" or "she" doesn't feel right to me, I have decided to change my pronouns to singular they (they, them, their, theirs, themself). For an example of these pronouns in a couple sentences: "They are Morgan, that's them. They will read their book by themself". I like these singular gender-neutral pronouns the best because they were used by Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and other great writers. They have been a part of English for a long time. From now on, please call me by "they" pronouns, instead of "he" or "she".

Thank you,
Mx Morgan Doe

You can also use the above sample letter as a template for writing an e-mail, just by leaving out the signature. Use it as a template for a blog post by leaving out the salutation.

Pronoun badges[edit | edit source]

To help other people remember which pronouns you want to be called by, you can wear a badge, jewelry, accessory, or piece of clothing with your pronouns written on it. Learn more at Pronoun badges.

Pronoun etiquette[edit | edit source]

Many binary and nonbinary transgender folk experience gender dysphoria when people refer to them using the wrong pronouns. For those who don't pass as well as they'd like, being called by the wrong gender (misgendered) with the wrong pronouns is a common problem with a lot of work involved. An individual, upon being misgendered, is forced to either do the coming out spiel or grin and bear it, making the coming out later more awkward. If someone corrects you on their pronouns, the best way you can help is to start using their preferred pronouns right away without argument.

If your pronouns are unusual, or aren't what people think of as matching your gender expression, you may have to get used to reminding people to use them, and explaining them to people a lot. Learn people's common questions and objections to your pronouns, and rehearse your responses to them, so that you can keep your composure.

A person can have more than one set of pronouns that they want people to use for them. For example, suppose that your favorite set of pronouns might be "ze, hir." However, you don't want these to make an accessibility problem for people who have trouble with English, or maybe there are some situations where you don't feel safe using them, or don't feel up to the challenge of getting people to use them. In that case, you have decided to let people also call you by a second set of pronouns (auxiliary pronouns) that you like almost but not quite as much: "she, her." Many nonbinary people may also use two or more pronouns with equal preference, which may look like allowing others to decide which of their pronouns to use, using different pronouns in different situations, or alternating pronouns equally. For another example, some genderfluid people feel comfortable or uncomfortable with certain pronouns depending on the current state of their gender identity. As a result, they alternate pronouns depending on their current identity, and ask to be called by different pronouns at different times.

Unusual pronouns can make trouble for people who speak English as a second language, or who have disabilities that make it harder for them to speak and understand English. Unusual pronouns are difficult to understand for people who lipread.[8] If you or another person have difficulty using unusual pronouns for these reasons, then it is acceptable and appropriate to ask a person if they have another set of pronouns that you can use in that case.[9]

Arabic neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Gender-neutral pronouns in Modern Standard Arabic (اللغة العربية) include:

هما means "they, originally dual, can work as a neutral singular third person."[10]

انتما means "second person dual."[10]

Bulgarian neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Gender-neutral pronouns in Bulgarian language (български език) include:

те/тях/техен/им "generally used for a group of people, could be used as singular as in 'they'"[10]

то/него/негово/му "means 'it', informal"[10]

Chinese neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Gender-neutral pronouns in Mandarin Chinese (普通话) include:

tā/ta1 is the standard pronoun for people, which when pronounced aloud is gender-neutral. Before the language was influenced by Europeans, "他" was the proper way of rendering "tā" (regardless of gender); with the radical "亻" (a variant of "人") meaning "person" and "也" meaning "other" (i.e. "another person, neither me nor you"). Under European influence, the character "她" was invented, to mean "she" ("女"=female + "也"=other). Therefore, "他" more and more acquired the gender-specific meaning "he", with the consequence that nowadays neither "他" nor "她" are perceived as gender-neutral. Another written form of tā is "它" meaning "it," but this can be derogatory, so only use it for a person with their permission. Similarly, tā 牠 is a pronoun "used for non-human animals", [10] and tā 祂 is usually used for gods.

As the logical gender-neutral character is "他" ("亻" meaning "person"), one solution would be to use a character composed of "男"("male") and "也" to mean "he", which would make it evident that "他" used in the same text can only be meant in a gender-neutral way. However, as Unicode does not provide "男"+"也" as a single character, this is currently only possible in handwriting.

Some people simply write "TA" with Latin letters ("TA是我的朋友。"). The same can be done in Bopomofo ("ㄊㄚ是我的朋友。").

Gender-neutral pronouns in Cantonese (廣東話) include:

keúih/keoi5 佢 meaning "them/him/her/it"

Ancient Chinese texts use more pronouns that are not gender specific to refer to other people, for example bǐ/bi3 彼 , qí/qi2 其 , and zhī/zhi1 之. Among the less used are the pronouns qú/qu2 渠 and jué/jue2 厥, which are not gender specific either. Despite the word 她 being reappropriated as a feminine pronoun by Liu Bannong in his poems, Ancient Chinese people also used a pronoun that is feminine called yī/yi1 伊, exemplified in Lu Xun's works. However, some Ancient Chinese scholars argue that due to the difference of modern and ancient Chinese grammar, the use of these words as pronouns might not be the same as contemporary pronouns.

Gender-neutral ways of referring to others in Chinese language (中文) include:

na4ge4ren2 (traditional: 那個人) (simplified: 那个人) means "that person."[10]

zhe4ge4ren2 (traditional: 這個人) (simplified: 这个人) means "this person."[10]

Czech neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Gender-neutral pronouns in Czech language (čeština) include:

onikání, "which was used in the past as gender-neutral pronoun when refering to someone of lesser status. it’s oni/je/jejich/se they/them/their/themself and the use is: Oni jsou moc milým člověkem. - They are a very nice person."[10]

Danish neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Gender-neutral pronouns in Danish language (dansk) include:

de, dem, deres[10]

hen, hen, hens[10] (neopronoun - the variants hæn and høn have also been proposed.)[11] [12]

Dutch neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Gender-neutral pronouns in Dutch language (Nederlands) include:

hen, hen, hun [13]

die, hen, hun [13]

die, die, diens [14]

ze, hun, ze "note: literal translation of they, but ze is often used as 'she'"[10]

zij, hen, hun[10]

‘’’Die, hen, hun’’’is also often used with die being a translation of who or another way of using a Dutch version of they.[10]

Dutch has three grammatical genders, masculine, feminine and neuter, but most forms are identical for masculine and feminine (while often opposed to neuter). This makes avoidance strategies attractive. E.g. while the third person singular personal pronoun is differentiated between feminine ("zij") and masculine ("hij"), the demonstrative pronoun is identical for these two genders ("die") and can often be used instead.

In 2016 Transgender Netwerk Nederland held a poll, in which hen, hen, hun or die, hen, hun were chosen as gender neutral pronouns.[13]

English neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

See also: gender neutral language - English, and glossary of English gender and sex terminology

This section has its own page: English neutral pronouns.

Esperanto neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Normally, Esperanto doesn't have any singular gender-neutral personal pronouns, only female or male. Some proposed grammatical reforms suggest adding a neutral pronoun. None of the proposals are recognized by the Akademio de Esperanto (Academy of Esperanto), an official body that aims to provide guidance to Esperanto users. While the Akademio takes a conservative approach to Esperanto usage, they have been known to adopt neologisms as their sustained use becomes widespread. For more information about this issue, see Wikipedia's article gender reform in Esperanto.

Some proposed gender-neutral pronouns in non-standard Esperanto include:

gi. "A popular proposal because it is iconic: in writing, it resembles ĝi ('it'), which it also resembles in meaning, and it is similar to the occasionally epicene prefix ge-. This makes it readily recognizable. Also along these lines is the use of the epicene prefix itself, geli."[15]

ĝi (gxi). "Ĝiist Esperanto," or "ĝiismo," is a grammatical reform similar to "riism" (see ri below) that proposes using the existing pronoun ĝi ('it') as a gender-neutral pronoun when referring to a person whose gender is "unknown or unimportant" to the context, in addition to its traditional sense of referring to animals and objects. Among "ĝiists," ri is used exclusively in reference to nonbinary people.[16] However, some argue that use of ĝi in reference to people is objectifying, and for this reason the popular reference Plena Manlibro de Esperanta Gramatiko advises against it.[17]

hi/li. In orthodox Esperanto, li is gendered masculine ('he') when a person's gender is known, and used as the epicene singular pronoun when a person's gender is unidentified or hypothetical. "Hiist Esperanto," or "hiismo," proposes hi as a new masculine singular pronoun "so that the gendered pronouns hi and ŝi both derive from English" while retaining li only in gender-neutral contexts.[18]

oni. In orthodox Esperanto, oni is the gender-neutral indefinite/impersonal pronoun, similar to the English pronoun one. Some propose extending its use as a definite pronoun to refer to a known person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant, and/or as a personal pronoun.[16]

ri. "Riist Esperanto," or "riismo," is a grammatical reform to Esperanto that makes the language more gender-neutral in several ways. One of these changes is to replace the gendered pronouns entirely with the neutral pronoun ri. This was popular for some time for the Esperanto community on the Internet in the 1990s.[15] Ri is currently favoured as a personal pronoun by nonbinary Esperantists, and is sometimes used in cases when the gender of a person is unknown or not relevant to the context.[19] The widely used Plena Manlibro de Esperanta Gramatiko (Complete Handbook of Esperanto Grammar) no longer advises against the usage of ri, stating that, while "not everyone is familiar with" riismo, it "is, however, sufficiently widespread, especially among youth, that many who themselves do not use ri or ria [the possessive form] do understand the new words."[17] An entry for ri does appear in the widely used Reta Vortaro,[20] and the English-language textbook Enjoy Esperanto includes a chapter on inclusive language, including discussion of riismo and nonbinary Esperantists.[19]

ŝli (sxli). "Instantly recognizable to most Esperantists ... This is just the reading pronunciation of the abbreviation ŝ/li, the equivalent of English "s/he", and is not infrequently seen in informal writing."[15]

tiu/ties. In Esperanto, tiu and ties mean 'that person' and 'that person's' respectively. They can be used as a grammatically orthodox workaround for avoiding use of gendered pronouns, but can come off as awkward and overly indirect.[16]

Estonian neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Estonian has no grammatical gender. There are no pronouns to specifically mean "she" or "he". Only the genderless pronoun tema/ta is used.

tema, teda, tema. Long form, primarily used with stressed syllables.[10]

ta, teda, ta. Short form, primarily used with unstressed syllables.[10]

Finnish neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

The Finnish language (suomen kieli) doesn't have grammatical gender. There are no pronouns that specifically mean "she" or "he". Everyone is called by the genderless pronoun hän.

hän, hänen. Formal.[10]

se, sen. Means "it." Informal but used a lot in colloquial speech and slang.[10]

French neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

In French, talking about one's self or another person in a gender-neutral way requires using created pronouns since the language only have two genders (feminine and masculine). These pronouns are not used officially, but are more and more used in gender-inclusive texts and spaces, along with gender-inclusive grammar rules for adjectives. That said, these and others have been well-documented in rapidly growing literature on this topic.[21]

ile. A mix of the French words "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she"). Some nonbinary people in France go by this pronoun. In 2015, an intersex adult in Tours won the right to change their birth certificate to say "gender neutral". The news mentioned that this person went by "ile" pronouns.[22]

iel, iels. A mix between "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she") that can be easily said out loud;[23] "li" is proposed as singular direct object form (the plural object forms and the indirect object forms are neutral anyhow). Iel is often used as a translation of english "they" both for nonbinary people and to refer as someone without referring to their gender. This is the most popular neutral pronoun.

ille, illes A mix between "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she") that can be used in a written text but that can not be easily said out loud.[23]

yel. A mix between "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she") that can be easily said out loud (for object forms, see "iel, iels").[23]

el, els. A mix between "il" ("he") and "elle" ("she") but that can't be used out loud since it would sound exactly like the feminine pronoun "elle".[23]

yol. [23]

ol, ols. [23]

ul, uls. [23]

oulle, oulles Based on "ou" and ille/elle (Source unknown, unfortunately)

æl, æls.

ael, aels.

German neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

People have proposed and are using these neutral pronouns in the German language (Deutsch):

Solutions without neopronouns[edit | edit source]

er*.[10] he*.

er + feminine noun endings.[24]

es. This means "it," and isn't usually used for people. Only use this pronoun for people who ask to be called by it. Some nonbinary people do reclaim it for themselves.[10][25]

sie. When this pronoun is used for a single person, it usually means "she." However, it also means "plural they," so some people use it as a neutral pronoun.[25]

sie*.[10] she*.

sie + masculine noun endings.[24]

Using only the name instead of a pronoun.[24]

Alternating between he and she.

Neopronouns[edit | edit source]

Example usage of "dey" pronoun.

A.[26] First mention by a person whose name starts with A.

as.[24] Based on es (it), vowel changed to mark difference between things and people.

dey.[27] Based on they, changed to be more easily pronounceable in German.

dier/dies/diem/dien.[28] Relative pronoun set based on dier (pronounced [di:ɐ̯]), an alternative to die and der.

em.

er_sie[10], sie_r, ersie, er:sie, er*sie.[24] From er (he) and sie (she).

hän/sires/sim/sin.[29] used as a replacement for er/sie

hen.[24] borrowed from Swedish/Norwegian[30]

iks.[24] Version of x.

k.[31] inplace of she/he said you say k said "k hat gesagt"

nim/nimser/nim/nin.[32]

per.[33] used the same as er/sie

sh'he/hi'er Gendered neopronoun that is both masculine and feminine and derived from contractions of she/her and he/him as a gendered alternative to explicitly gender neutral and nongendered neopronouns for multigender people [34]

sier/sieser/siem/sien with possessive pronouns based on root "sies".[35]

sif/sis/sim/sin with possessive pronouns based on root "sir".[36]

they.[37] Used just like in English.

x.[10] Has been criticised for being racist when used by white people.[38]

xier/xieser/xiem/xien.[39] Pronoun set based on xier (pronounced [ksi:ɐ̯]), an alternative to er and sie developed by Illi Anna Heger. And xies can be used as the base to matching possessive pronouns, that are declensed with endings you would use for sein and ihr, xiese/xieses/xiesem/xiesen/xieser. [40]

z, zet.[41] replacement for er/sie

For examples of how to use many of these, go here.

Hebrew Neutral Pronouns[edit | edit source]

Hebrew has masculine/feminine gender distinction in both singular and plural second- and third-person pronouns, so there's no option for a genderless third-person plural pronoun (like in English) or second-person pronoun (like in Arabic). For this reason, הֵם‎ hem, traditionally the masculine third-person plural pronoun, is used as a singular third-person pronoun by many nonbinary Hebrew speakers.

The choice of this pronoun may be due to the somewhat neutral nature of the third-person plural masculine, which is used with mixed-gender groups. Some may choose the third-person plural because it is closest to the English they.[42]

Some Hebrew speakers who are nonbinary may choose to use the masculine and feminine pronouns interchangeably.[43]

Icelandic neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Icelandic has three grammatical genders, feminine, masculine and neuter. In the plural, it is colloquial to use the neuter for a mixed-gender group of people or for people of unknown gender.

For the singular, the third-person pronoun "hán" has been proposed, (genitive "háns", dative "háni", accusative "hán").[44]

See also the page Gender neutral language in Icelandic.

Italian neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Italian is a very binary language, with two grammatical genders, masculine and feminine. In writing, signs like * or @ or the letter x are sometimes used where the feminine has "a" and the masculine has "o", although no specific pronunciation is linked to them. Some people use "u" when speaking in these cases, others the dialectal ending "ə" (as there is no standard spelling linked to this sound, "@" might sometimes be used to represent this pronunciation). This applies to a lot of words, such as nouns, adjectives and to a lesser degree articles. There seems to be no clear solution for plural forms.[45] [46]

This usage can be applied to some third person pronouns, e.g. the object forms "lo" and "la" may in this way be replaced by "lu" or "l@". The subject forms "egli" and "ella" are already less evident, but "elu"/"el@" is thinkable. The other subject forms “lui” and “lei” can be replaced by “lxi” or ”l*i”.The third person plural "loro" is gender-neutral and can be used as subject and as direct object (It is sometimes proposed to use this as singular as well, a translation of the English singular they). However, there is as yet no full table of proposed neo-pronouns.

Interlingua neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Illo (nominative) and lo (accusative) have been approved as gender neutral pronouns by the International Auxiliary Language Association.

Polish neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

See the page Gender neutral language in Polish.

Portuguese neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

See also: Gender neutral language in Portuguese and glossary of Portuguese gender and sex terminology.

The Portuguese language (português) doesn't normally have neutral pronouns and indicates gender by letters in pronouns, ela (she) and ele (he). However, people have created some new, neutral pronouns, which are used in some groups. These include:

ile, dile, nile. This was the first gender neutral pronoun created for Portuguese.[46] [47] [48]

el@, del@, nel@. This uses an @ (at symbol) to show ambiguity of the letter. This only works in writing.

elx, delx, nelx. This uses an x to show ambiguity of the letter.[47]

elu, delu, nelu. This uses an u to show ambiguity of the letter. It's the second most recommended to be used to include visually disabled people. This pronoun has some variations in its writing and pronunciation: êlu, dêlu, nêlu; élu, délu, nélu.[47]

el, del, nel. This isn't gender specific as it doesn't indicate any gender by the absence of a gendered letter.[47]

éli, déli, néli. This has a similar pronunciation as the male pronoun ele, but shows ambiguity by the use of i. And as the above, it also has variations: eli, deli, neli.[47]

íli, díli, níli. This shows ambiguity by the letter i. Some variations can be found: ílu, dílu, nílu; ílo, dílo, nílo; ile, dile, nile; ilo, dilo, nilo.[47][48]

ély, dély, nély. As the pronoun éli, déli, its pronunciation is very simillar to ele. Some variations are: ely, dely, nely; élw, délw, nélw.[47]

els, dels, nels. This shows ambiguity by the usage of s instead of a gendered letter.[47]

el', del', nel'. Demonstrates neutrality by the usage of '.[47]

eld, deld, neld. This show ambiguity by the usage of d.[47]

yn, dyn, nyn. This pronoun is very different and doesn't follow the structure of "el_, del_, nel_".[47]

éle, déle, néle. This pronoun follows the Spanish elle pattern, drawing a line between é from éla and -e from ele.[49]

elae, delae, nelae. This combines ela with ele.[50][51]

êla, dêla, nêla. This combines ele (êle) with ela.[52]

Russian neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

The Russian language (русский язык) has three singular third person pronouns: masculine "он" (on), feminine "она" (ona), and neuter "оно" (ono). The highly gendered nature of the language makes it difficult for nonbinary speakers to describe themselves, and some reject pronouns and gendered verbs altogether.

Alternating pronouns - Some nonbinary Russian speakers alternate between on and ona.

Ono (оно) - The use of ono as a gender neutral pronoun is controversial even within the nonbinary community, as some people consider it to be dehumanizing. It traditionally means 'it' and in general Russian's neuter grammatical gender refers mostly to inanimate/nonhuman things or young children. In the other 5 grammatical cases ono also looks the same as the masculine pronoun. However, some nonbinary speakers reclaim the word.[53]

On(a), on_a (он[а], он_а) - Combining on and ona using parenthesis or a 'gender gap' (underscore) can be done as well. This is considered an option mostly for writing, but some people use it orally as well by putting a pause between the masculine and the feminine.[54]

Ony (они) - The traditional third person plural pronoun. Some people use this to refer to a singular nonbinary person, like they in English, although this can get difficult when referring to oneself due to the highly gendered nature of Russian verbs and adjectives.

Oh (ох/ех) - A neopronoun that does not follow the same format as on/ona/ono.

Onzh (онж/егж) - Another neopronoun that follows the same format as on or ono but with the letter zhe (ж).

One (оне/нех) - A neopronoun. It uses the ending -ле in verb conjugation.[55]

Slovak neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

The Slovak language (Slovenčina) has three pronouns for singular third person, "on" being masculine and used for men, "ona" as the feminine equivalent used for women and the neutral "ono". However the pronoun ono isn't considered the preferred option of many Slovak nonbinary people due to ono being mainly used to describe objects or young kids. Ono could be compared to English's pronoun "it".

Ono - A neutral pronoun used to describe objects, could be translated to English's "it". Recently it's becoming reclaimed.

Oni - An ancient pronoun which had almost become extinct, a plural pronoun. Similar to English's "they".

One - A neopronoun, it takes the structure of on, ona, ono and extracts the base on_ and adds a different letter. One (or Oné) can be found in some dialects of Slovak as a synonym to ono.

Spanish neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

See also: gender neutral language - Spanish and glossary of Spanish gender and sex terminology.

The Spanish language (español) doesn't normally have neutral pronouns. However, people have created some new, neutral pronouns, which are used in some groups that are responsive and allies to LGBT, feminist, and social justice issues. Most of these neutral pronouns work by taking the feminine pronoun, ella, and the standard abstract neuter pronoun ello (which can't be used for people), and substituting a different letter or symbol for the masculine "o" or feminine "a" ending. This approach of substituting a letter is shared by creating other parts of gender neutral language in Spanish, such as neutral-gender endings for adjectives. See gender neutral language - Spanish for information about that. These new, neutral pronouns include:

ele. A neutral pronoun that is a mix of the masculine pronoun él ("he") and a proposed gender-neutral ending letter, -e. This is less common. The plural would be elles.[56]

ell_. A neutral pronoun that can't be said out loud. This is less common. The _ (underscore) means that the "a" or "o" is left out.[10]

ell*. A neutral pronoun that can't be said out loud. This is less common. The * (asterisk) means that the "a" or "o" is left out. Compare the splat *e pronouns in English, which work by the same idea.[10]

ellæ. A neutral pronoun. This is less common.[10]

ell@. A neutral pronoun that can't be said out loud, or else is pronounced like "ellao". This is non-standard, but one of the most common of these. The @ (at symbol) is meant to be seen as a mix between an "a" and an "o".[10]

elle. A neutral pronoun that can be easily said out loud. This is non-standard, but one of the most common of these.[10] It's used by nonbinary people in Chile.[57]

elli. A neutral pronoun that can be said out loud. It's uncommonly used.[10]

ellu. A neutral pronoun that can be said out loud. It's uncommonly used.[10]

ello. A neutral pronoun that can be easily said out loud. It's uncommonly used[10] and it's considered rude, since it's the pronoun used for things (similar to English 'it').

ellx. A neutral pronoun that can't be said out loud. This non-standard, but one of the more common of these. [10]

ol. A neutral pronoun. Non-standard and uncommon. The plural would be olles. This would go with the non-standard definite article that is also ol.[56]

Swedish neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Visual illustration of the two gendered personal pronouns in Swedish, hon ("she") and han ("he"), alongside the gender-neutral hen.

In 2014, the Swedish language (Svenska) officially added a new gender-neutral pronoun, hen, which is popular among Swedish-speaking nonbinary people.

de, dem (dom), deras.[10]

den, den, dens (dess). Means 'it'. This isn't usually used for humans.[10] Traditionally, the word den has been used as a gender neutral pronoun and remains widely used today. However, depending on the context, the word den can also mean "it," leaving it unsatisfactory as a gender neutral pronoun for many who do not wish to be seen as like an inanimate object.

hen, hen (henom), hens (henoms). This neutral pronoun was first proposed in 1966. Since the 1960s, the person pronoun hen has become increasingly popular. It was proposed independently in 1994, based on the Finnish neutral pronoun hän. It came to be used in magazines and books during the 2000s and 2010s. In 2014, it was officially added to the language. In 2015, it will be added for the first time to Svenska Akademiens Ordlista (the Swedish equivalent to France's Dictionnaire de l'Académie française). It usage, however, remains somewhat controversial and is vigorously opposed by some. Hen is used for people whose gender is not known, as well as for nonbinary people who ask to be called by this pronoun. It's not meant to replace the gendered pronouns hon ("she") and han ("he"), but to exist together with them. For more information, see the Wikipedia entry on hen.

Standard gender neutral / third gender personal pronoun: hen

Possessive form of hen: hens

Object form of hen: henom. The object form of hen is sometimes just hen. It is very individual.

West Frisian neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Some neutral pronouns in West Frisian language (Frysk) include:

je, jin, jins.[58] These pronouns do exist as indefinite pronouns, though their use for referring to a specific person isn't very common.

Yiddish neutral pronouns[edit | edit source]

Gender-neutral pronouns in Yiddish language (ייִדיש) include:

zey, zeyer, zeyere (זיי, זייער, זייערע) - The third person plural pronoun, which many nonbinary Yiddishists use as singular. It is conjugated as plural while the name of the person followed by a verb stays singular, likely due to the influence of English on the language.

Neopronouns[edit | edit source]

fey, fer, feyer (פֿיי, פֿער, פֿייער) - Also spelled fey, feyer, feyere (פֿיי, פֿֿייער, פֿייערע). Basically equivalent to English fae/faer/faers.[59] Some people do not use them because they have the same first three letters as the f-slur in Yiddish.

ez, zim, zir (עז, זים, זיר) - Neopronouns with no English equivalent. They are based off of all three singular third person pronouns: er (ער), zi (זי), and es (עס).

zi.er, zi_er, zier (זי.ער, זי—ער, זיער) - Combinations of he (er - ער) and she (zi - זי).

See also[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

See also a blog post about this topic on our Tumblr.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. This quote is a snippet from an answer to the survey conducted in the year 2018. Note for editors: the text of the quote, as well as the name, age and gender identity of its author shouldn't be changed.
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46. Manifesto Ile para uma comunicação radicalemnte inclusiva

https://diversitybbox.com/pt/manifesto-ile-para-uma-comunicacao-radicalmente-inclusiva/

47. Guia Linguagem Inclusiva HBO e [DIVERSITY BBOX]

https://pji.portaldosjornalistas.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/GuiaTodxsNos.pdf

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