(Nimue)
As bards, we have to be alert to the nuances of language, and the power in how we deploy that language. Words have a huge capacity to impact on people in ways they are not always conscious of, and we must use that power wisely and responsibly.
I've written that first paragraph to illustrate the point. I've used 'they' to indicate a person, or persons of any gender. That's a very normal use of the word 'they'. It's also worth noting that in the English language, singular 'they' is older than singular 'you' – it's all evolved out of thees and thous anyway. Language changes over time.
The most important pronoun in that opening paragraph, is 'we'. By saying 'we' I'm saying that you, dear reader, are also a bard, also thinking about these issues of language and that we are together in this. By saying 'we' I can create feelings of inclusion and involvement, and sometimes complicity. I often say 'we' when I want to talk about things people get wrong, because in that context its softer than a more accusatory 'you' - which would also imply I am somehow superior.
If I'd addressed the opening paragraph to you, telling you what you need to do as a bard, then I'd also be expressing my own authority. I do that sometimes in my writing, but my preference is to be more inclusive. We can all do this.
Pronouns can individualise or objectify. This is really important when we're writing about aspects of the living world – when other beings are 'it' we make them seem more like objects. When we talk about creatures, and plants as living beings with their own experiences, we can build empathy and understanding. 'It' is an object we might feel comfortable using and exploiting. 'They' are individuals who merit care and respect.
Every now and then you may see people claiming that pronouns are difficult and a problem and that they are afraid of getting it wrong. I've taken to pointing out that if you do not know a person's preferred pronouns you can just ask them (singular they strikes again!). When talking to a person, of course the most relevant pronoun is 'you' which isn't gendered to begin with. Misgendering people by accident is socially awkward, saying sorry and moving on tends to sort it. Deliberately using pronouns that make another person uncomfortable is unkind and needs calling out.
The language we use has power. We can use pronouns to include, to validate and to value, and there's a great deal to be said in favour of doing that.
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