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

Understanding Language and Identity

The Role of Linguists

• Linguists study language through various lenses, including pronunciation, sentence structure, and regional variations.

• A key interest lies in how beliefs about language influence its use, often reflecting societal views rather than linguistic facts.

Personal Connection to Language

• The speaker identifies as nonbinary and part of the transgender community, experiencing a transformative connection with language when engaging with other transgender individuals.

• Conversations with friends and family helped clarify personal identity terms and appropriate pronouns.

Challenges in Language Adaptation

• Friends adapted their language by using gender-neutral terms; parents adjusted how they refer to their children.

• Some loved ones found it difficult to adopt new pronouns like "they/them," citing confusion or grammatical concerns.

Beliefs About Grammar and Change

Misconceptions About Grammar

• Common beliefs suggest that grammar rules are fixed and unchangeable, which can hinder understanding of evolving language practices.

• Historical context shows that English pronouns have changed over time; for instance, "thou" was once used for singular address but has since shifted to "you."

Historical Perspectives on Pronoun Usage

• Thomas Elwood criticized the shift from "thou" to "you," mirroring contemporary debates about the singular "they."

• Despite resistance, language evolves; what was once deemed incorrect can become accepted usage over time.

The Nature of Dictionaries

Understanding Dictionary Definitions

• Many believe dictionaries provide static definitions; however, they are dynamic documents reflecting current usage trends.

The Evolution of Language and Its Impact on Trans Identity

Historical Context of Language Change

• The term "awful" originally conveyed respect or awe, but by the mid-1900s, it shifted to a negative connotation, with "awesome" taking its positive meaning. Dictionaries have adapted to reflect these changes over time.

• This example illustrates how language evolves, necessitating constant updates in dictionaries to keep pace with changing definitions and meanings.

Language's Role for Trans Individuals

• The discussion focuses on the significance of language for trans individuals, emphasizing that pronouns are just one aspect; identity terms like trans man, trans woman, nonbinary, and genderqueer are equally important.

• Some identity terms have been recognized in dictionaries for decades while others are newly added as language evolves alongside societal understanding.

Navigating Personal Identifiers

• A common concern arises about the variety of terms used by different trans individuals. People often feel overwhelmed by the potential for misunderstanding or offending someone due to differing preferences.

• An analogy is drawn using grandparent names (e.g., Meemaw vs. Gigi), highlighting that personal identifiers can vary widely without causing frustration among friends.

Importance of Self-identifying Language

• Trans individuals have the right to choose their identifying language. This self-identification process is crucial for understanding their identities.

• Many trans people find that discovering new vocabulary is essential in articulating their experiences and identities effectively.

Creating New Vocabulary

• Sometimes existing words do not adequately capture an individual's experience; thus, creating new terms becomes necessary and empowering.

• The speaker emphasizes a simple yet powerful piece of advice: when unsure about what terms to use for trans individuals, simply ask them directly.

Building Relationships Through Language

• Asking questions fosters better communication and reduces the risk of unintentionally hurting someone's feelings through assumptions about their identity.

• Recognizing that language can change over time encourages ongoing learning and adaptation in conversations about identity.

Conclusion: Language as a Tool

• Ultimately, language serves as a tool for both transgender and cisgender individuals to understand themselves better while respecting others' identities.