Gender neutral language in Swedish/en: Difference between revisions

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    The Swedish language has two grammatical genders, common and neuter. Gender-neutral/gender-inclusive language in Swedish is easier than in many other languages since its grammatical gender is less pervasive than in languages like German or French. See the main article on gender neutral language for general reasons to use neutral language, common problems in using it, and its use for gender-diverse people.
    == Introduction ==
     
    The Swedish language has two grammatical genders, common (en-words, previously feminine and masculine but they are now merged) and neuter (ett-words). Swedish has thus been more adaptable to gender-neutral (or gender inclusive) expressions than languages with rigid feminine-masculine distinctions.
    Gender-neutral/gender-inclusive language is a way of communicating that intentionally avoids assumptions about gender. In Swedish, this can mean:
     
    * Using gender-neutral pronouns: ''Hen'' instead of ''han'' (he) or ''hon'' (she).
    * Choosing inclusive nouns: ''Vuxen'' (adult) instead of ''kvinna'' (woman) or ''man'' (man).
    * Reforming job titles: ''Brandbekämpare'' (firefighter) instead of ''brandman'' (literally “fireman”), and ''sjukskötare'' (caregiver/nurse) instead of ''sjuksköterska'' (traditionally specifically “female nurse”).
     
    === Why Gender-Neutral Language Matters ===
    The goal of gender-neutral language is to foster equality and inclusion for all individuals, regardless of gender, as well as to lessen the excess emphasis and importance that is put on gender in a highly socioculturally gendered society. It helps reduce the risk of misgendering, which can cause discomfort or distress – particularly for people who experience gender dysphoria or those who do not identify within the traditional gender binary.
     
    Gender-neutral language is not only a useful and necessary grammatical tool, but also a social one. It is especially important in contexts where gender is varied/queer, mixed/diverse in a group, irrelevant/unwanted, secret or unknown. By adopting inclusive language, we create environments that respect and acknowledge everyone.
     
    === History ===
    Historically, the Swedish society was, like many others, deeply rooted in a binary understanding of gender. Language reflected this, with most professions and roles being assigned a default gender – often masculine – unless specifically marked as feminine (for example, ''sjuksköterska'' for “nurse” and ''brandman'' for “firefighter”). Over time, as societal attitudes toward gender evolved, so too did the need for language that could accommodate a broader spectrum of identities.
     
    The late 20<sup>th</sup> and early 21<sup>st</sup> centuries saw a growing awareness of gender diversity and the limitations of binary language. Activists and linguists began adv