Ep 259: What’s Your Pronoun?

Dennis Baron, author of What’s Your Pronoun?, takes us on a
journey through the evolution of pronouns. Younger generations
are boldly claiming their linguistic identities—how do we better
understand them?





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.


Full Show Notes


In recent years, the discussion around pronouns has expanded well
beyond the binary he and she, with young people leading the
charge in educating themselves and others about the variety of
pronouns people use to express their identities. This movement
towards a more inclusive language might seem novel, but Dennis
Baron, author of "What's Your Pronoun?" reveals that the
conversation around pronoun usage has deep historical roots.


This episode explores the fascinating history of alternative
pronoun usage, unearthing attempts to reform the English language
and fill what have been perceived as gaps in our pronoun set with
gender-neutral or common gender pronouns. Through his research,
Baron discovered over 200 proposals for alternative pronouns in
just three months, many dating back to the 19th and early 20th
centuries, such as thon, ze, and even the singular they.


The Quest for a Gender-Neutral Pronoun


Baron's journey into the world of pronouns began over 40 years
ago when he researched attempts to reform the English language.
He found that alongside spelling and grammar reforms, there was a
significant push for a gender-neutral or common gender pronoun.
Interestingly, this quest for an inclusive pronoun is not new,
with proposals dating back to the 19th century.


The Singular They and Controversies


One significant aspect of the conversation around pronouns is the
use of singular they. Baron points out that despite criticism,
singular they has been part of the English language since the
14th century. The resistance to singular they highlights broader
debates about language, inclusivity, and identity, which are
explored in depth in this episode.


The Political and Social Implications of Pronoun
Usage


The episode also delves into the political and social
implications of pronoun usage, examining how language can both
include and exclude individuals. Baron discusses recent
legislative attempts to restrict pronoun usage, highlighting the
ongoing battle for recognition and respect within the linguistic
domain.


In the Episode…


This conversation with Dennis Baron is not just about pronouns;
it's a deep dive into the evolving nature of language, identity,
and social acceptance. In addition to the topics discussed above,
we also cover:


   - The impact of social movements on language
reform
   - The challenges of introducing new pronouns into
everyday language
   - How language reforms reflect broader societal
changes
   - The role of language in shaping our understanding
of gender and identity


Through Dennis Baron's insightful exploration of the history and
present of pronouns, listeners will gain a greater appreciation
for the complexity and beauty of language evolution. Don't miss
this fascinating episode that bridges past and present to
illuminate the path towards a more inclusive future. Listen now,
and subscribe to Talking to Teens for more enlightening
discussions.





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.