How do you know which person "they" refers to? Yes, "they" can be confusing in specific cases. That doesn’t mean “they” pronouns are useless, more confusing than other pronouns, or should be banned. “They” can be a straightforward, clear and affirming way to refer to a person!
Seems like a lovely trip. I don’t get the supposed confusion over they/them as singular or plural pronouns. Nobody has trouble with singular and plural you/you. Here in Appalachia, we have the more complex you, y’all, and the all-encompassing all-y’all. In Indonesian, a language suffused with politeness, we have the delightful subtlety of kami (we, not including you) and kita (we, including you). Language is variable and changes, all-y’all need to adjust. As someone once said “call me whatever ya’ want, just don’t call me late for dinner.”
WELCOME Rey (they/them) 😊 I think we all should be able to handle a little getting used to new language, in order to allow folk to actually be addressed as what they actually are.
I think we should all be able to handle a little getting used to new language to allow folk to actually be addressed as what they actually are 😊
That makes a lot of sense, thanks, Satya!
Happy to have found your Substack 😊
Thanks for reading! I appreciate it!
Seems like a lovely trip. I don’t get the supposed confusion over they/them as singular or plural pronouns. Nobody has trouble with singular and plural you/you. Here in Appalachia, we have the more complex you, y’all, and the all-encompassing all-y’all. In Indonesian, a language suffused with politeness, we have the delightful subtlety of kami (we, not including you) and kita (we, including you). Language is variable and changes, all-y’all need to adjust. As someone once said “call me whatever ya’ want, just don’t call me late for dinner.”
Thank you for sharing this lovely and nuanced perspective! Makes a lot of sense.
WELCOME Rey (they/them) 😊 I think we all should be able to handle a little getting used to new language, in order to allow folk to actually be addressed as what they actually are.