Language around gender and identity evolves (and always has) | Archie Crowley

Summary

The speaker, a linguist and nonbinary individual, explores how beliefs about language influence interactions with transgender people. They discuss the evolving nature of language, highlighting how pronouns and identity terms like 'they' have changed, much like 'thou' and 'you' did centuries ago. The speaker challenges common language beliefs, emphasizing that grammar rules and dictionaries adapt over time. They stress the importance of asking people about their preferred terms and creatively using language to foster understanding, build relationships, and respect identities, showing that language is a powerful tool for connection.

Takeaways

• 🔤 Linguists study language in various ways, including pronunciation, sentence structure, and regional variations.
• 🌐 People's beliefs about language often reflect their views on the social world rather than the language itself.
• 🏳️‍🌈 As a nonbinary linguist, the speaker found a new language within the transgender community that helped express their identity.
• 💬 Communication with friends and family about being trans and nonbinary involved explaining terms and preferred pronouns.
• 👥 Some friends and family found it challenging to adopt new language conventions, which became the focus of the speaker's research.
• 🚫 Common but harmful beliefs about language can act as barriers to building relationships with transgender individuals.
• 📚 Dictionaries do not provide static definitions; they are dynamic records of language use that change over time.
• 🆕 Language evolves, and grammar rules can change, as illustrated by the historical shift from 'thou' to 'you'.
• 💭 Transgender people's self-identifying language is crucial for understanding their identities and should be respected.
• 🤔 When unsure about the language to use for transgender individuals, the best approach is to ask them directly.
• 🌟 Language is a tool for identity and relationship building; it should serve us and can be used creatively to bring joy.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the linguist's research?

The linguist's research focuses on how people's beliefs about language, particularly concerning grammar and usage, can act as barriers to building and strengthening relationships with transgender individuals.

Why is the linguist interested in the beliefs people have about language?

The linguist is interested in these beliefs because they often reflect societal attitudes rather than the language itself, and these attitudes can influence how language is used and how people communicate with transgender and nonbinary individuals.

How does the linguist's personal identity as a nonbinary person relate to their professional interests?

The linguist's personal identity as a nonbinary person has led them to explore the ways in which language can be used to express and understand gender identity, and how societal beliefs about language can impact transgender and nonbinary people's experiences.

What is the significance of the linguist's experience with their friends and family in terms of language use?

The linguist's experience with their friends and family highlights the challenges and importance of adapting language to respect and acknowledge transgender and nonbinary identities, showing that even loved ones may find it difficult to change established language habits.

Why is the singular 'they' considered a significant linguistic change?

The singular 'they' is significant because it challenges traditional gendered pronouns and provides a nonbinary option, which is a shift in language that reflects evolving societal understanding of gender.

What historical example does the linguist use to illustrate that grammar rules can change?

The linguist uses the historical shift from using 'thou' and 'you' in the 1600s to show that grammar rules are not static and can change over time to accommodate societal needs and preferences.

How do dictionaries reflect the changing nature of language?

Dictionaries are described as living documents that track and reflect changes in language use over time, rather than providing unchanging, official definitions.

What misconception about dictionaries does the linguist address?

The linguist addresses the misconception that dictionaries provide a single, unchanging definition for words, emphasizing that dictionaries are dynamic and evolve with language use.

Why is it important for people to ask transgender individuals about their preferred language?

Asking transgender individuals about their preferred language is important because it respects their self-identified terms and acknowledges the evolving nature of personal and collective language use.

What is the linguist's advice for people unsure about the language to use with transgender individuals?

The linguist advises people to ask transgender individuals directly about their preferred terms, emphasizing that this approach is more respectful and less likely to cause offense than making assumptions.

How does the linguist view the role of language in identity and relationships?

The linguist views language as a powerful tool for expressing identity and building affirming relationships, suggesting that language should serve individuals and communities, not the other way around.