The choice of words may help to combat exclusion

Sist oppdatert Torsdag, 23/02/2023

Language shapes our reality: it enables us to communicate. However, its very evolution doesn’t mean that discrimination in this aspect is not visible. In many languages, the use of masculine forms prevails over the feminine ones, not to mention the lack of a gender-neutral language.

The Polish language, among others, struggles with this problem. Discussions about feminine forms and inclusive language were very loud. The dominant pattern in this language is, of course, the masculine form. This is due, inter alia, to the long history of this country. For example, during the times of the Polish People's Republic, feminine forms were superseded. So, people got used to masculine ones, often using them unconsciously as the first because of habit and contact with them from childhood. Many people have avoided the feminine forms, arguing that it takes effort to apply them and that they sound strange.

One area where the use of masculine forms is common is in the names of professions. Until a few years ago, feminine forms were hardly used at all, reiterating that they did not sound good and were not used regularly. Instead of using them, the word "Pani" (eng. Lady, Madam) is typically added to the masculine ones to indicate the gender of the person being spoken of. In this way, many people avoid and, above all, defend themselves from naturalizing feminine forms. However, language is evolving, and as many examples show, the increasing use of feminine forms allows people to accept them and include them in speech. Although there is still a struggle not only to start using feminine names for professions, it should still be noted that it is the masculine forms that prevail and are considered a default. That is why it is so important to tame these feminine forms in the language. As modern examples show, this behaviour shows that over time people will get used to the new forms, forgetting what prevented them from using them. It is normal for language to evolve, so introducing changes aimed at doing something good should be natural.

Not only Poland is struggling with this problem. The use of masculine forms is visible in many aspects of life. From reading books, through the scientific literature, to filling out forms on websites. It is the masculine form that often comes first. Although the emergence of a feminine one is becoming more and more natural, it is still faced with unnecessary criticism. The fight for this form is just the beginning of the road. Another significant determinant is the use of gender-neutral language, which will help to combat discrimination, which is also perceived in language.

Through language, not only people's behaviour changes but most of all thought patterns that affect all areas of life. So, it is extremely essential to try to change not only the environment but also the language that is always with people. The visible exclusion, the gender division may end one day and hopefully, it will happen as soon as possible.

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Meet the author Anna (Member of the pool of European young journalists – Edition 2022)

“I'm a Polish girl who gained her journalistic experience in several places, including writing for magazines and working in radios. I'm up for all possible challenges, adding the right dose of humour to them. Today I am a volunteer. With other young people from all over Europe we write a magazine. I am primarily interested in talking to young people who introduce real changes. An example is the Youth Climate Strike in Poland as a youth movement fighting for a legal change in the government's approach to the climate crisis. I am interested in writing about how European Union programmes give young people a chance and how they changed their lives. I am also interested in the exclusion that many young people face because of their place of residence, gender or sexual orientation. I would like to raise topics that draw attention to the real problems of young people. I am also more and more interested in the culture of the Balkans and Turkey and their inclusion and impact on the European Union.”

This article reflects the views of the author only. The European Commission cannot be held responsible for it.