Gender neutral language in Dutch: Difference between revisions
→Pronouns
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The pronoun "die" is also a normal pronoun in the dialects spoken in regions like Twente, de Achterhoek and Drenthe, though in some regions only referring to a "he". Sometimes "die" is even shortened to ['ie]. [https://www.mijnwoordenboek.nl/dialect/Twents] | The pronoun "die" is also a normal pronoun in the dialects spoken in regions like Twente, de Achterhoek and Drenthe, though in some regions only referring to a "he". Sometimes "die" is even shortened to ['ie]. [https://www.mijnwoordenboek.nl/dialect/Twents] | ||
The use of genderneutral pronouns is also increasingly adopted by certain progessive cis people, to increase usage with the goal of normalizing these words. Others could for example choose to use neutral pronouns on just anyone, sometimes with the exception of people who put pressure on the fact that they want to be called a he or she. This idea is generally not to assume that everyone is genderqueer, but rather to assume that genderneutral pronouns are norm and genderized pronouns are rather (becoming) archaic. This process is, however, slow, keeping in mind that genderneutral pronoun options are still not known to all citizens. | |||
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== Use of gender and genus in official documents and education == | == Use of gender and genus in official documents and education == | ||
In schools, teachers are not allowed to confirm neo-genderneutral language as valid in CE (Centraal Examen) exams, since it is viewed as incorrect by the State. They can, however, still allow students to make use of this type of language, if at SE (School Examen) exams. This is a choice of their own, and are still legally not required to check it in favor of neo-genderneutral language. | In high schools, teachers are not allowed to confirm neo-genderneutral language as valid in CE (Centraal Examen) exams, since it is viewed as incorrect by the State. They can, however, still allow students to make use of this type of language, if at SE (School Examen) exams. This is a choice of their own, and are still legally not required to check it in favor of neo-genderneutral language. | ||
In Elementary school, genderneutral pronouns are still not a part of the curriculum. Teachers have the option to teach, but are not required to. This is part of the reason why still a lot of Dutch speakers are not aware of genderneutral pronouns. | |||
In biology, the Dutch refer to 'man' and 'vrouw' (aka 'geslacht'; genus) to specifically state XY or XX chromosomes. Although genus is built out of ten different components (like facial hair, body structure, etc. NB: 11 when one counts gender), the State refers specifically to the chromosomes as an indicator for genus. This is similar to the English "use of "male" and "female". When talking about animals, we tend to use diminutives, like "mannetje" and "vrouwtje", just like the Dutch commonly differentiate animals on in different contexts (e.g. through words like "bek", "ras", "paren" and "poot"). NB: Using a diminutive for your partner is therefore also seen as something playful rather than seriousness. | In biology, the Dutch refer to 'man' and 'vrouw' (aka 'geslacht'; genus) to specifically state XY or XX chromosomes. Although genus is built out of ten different components (like facial hair, body structure, etc. NB: 11 when one counts gender), the State refers specifically to the chromosomes as an indicator for genus. This is similar to the English "use of "male" and "female". When talking about animals, we tend to use diminutives, like "mannetje" and "vrouwtje", just like the Dutch commonly differentiate animals on in different contexts (e.g. through words like "bek", "ras", "paren" and "poot"). NB: Using a diminutive for your partner is therefore also seen as something playful rather than seriousness. | ||