Is language that considers gender truly a limitation?
The term "language police" typically arises in conversations about gender-sensitive language, which is often perceived as complex and unsuited for daily use. However, those who delve into the subject argue otherwise.
With Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Schleswig-Holstein in the past, Bavaria and Hesse are now implementing restrictions on certain gender symbols like asterisks, underscores, or double quotes in schools, universities, and government institutions. In the Hessian Abitur, these forms will now be considered errors.
"I find it absurd that no one talks about the 'language police' when Bavaria bans the asterisk form in schools, universities, and all public administrations," says Lann Hornscheidt, who has researched and written about discriminatory language for years, in an interview with ntv.de. "I know of no one who introduces strict rules for polite gender talk. The rules seem to come from the other side. But they're never criticized for setting them up."
Respect: The Golden Rule
A Forsa survey for the RTL/ntv Trendbarometer in July 2023 found that 73% of respondents reject gender asterisks or similar forms in written texts. Only 22% agreed.
The Baden-Wuerttemberg State Center for Political Education reports that many see gender as coercive and an "academic elite project" that doesn't align with their reality. There's also a sense of it being a "linguistic corset." This frequently leads to rejection and a "return to conservative values regarding gender equality."
According to Hornscheidt, gender-sensitive language is actually the opposite of a corset, providing more freedom for everyone. "It's crucial that it's not seen as limited." The universal rule, he points out, is to "speak respectfully with others."
"In this society, we've learned how to speak correctly or incorrectly, starting with school dictations and red pens," Hornscheidt explains. "We could learn from children: they're incredibly creative. Encouraging creativity allows us to grow. However, adults often shut off this playful approach to language."
Beyond Masculinity and Femininity
One method of thinking creatively about language is the use of gender asterisks, underscores, or double quotes. "Titles like 'retiree' or 'gardener' often depict masculinity as a default human trait. 'Retiree' and 'retiree woman' show only masculinity and femininity as options. These alternative forms suggest: There's more than just masculinity and femininity."
If gender-specific symbols like Bavaria's asterisk are banned, how can one express gender sensitivity in language? Hornscheidt recommends focusing on genderless language: "Instead of 'gardener' or 'gardener woman,' say 'a person who tends a garden.'" This has the added advantage of emphasizing actions more than substantial identities.
A common critique of gender-sensitive forms like the asterisk is that they'll significantly alter the German language. Nevertheless, language is constantly evolving and adapting, says political scientist Felicia Ewert in a ntv.de interview. "A hundred years ago, people didn't use smartphone or internet. Yet, we use these terms without hesitation now."
Linguist and entrepreneur Simone Burel sees the gender asterisk as a "meaningful linguistic response" to social injustices. The German language evolves amid various influences, including Anglicisms, youth language, and even Turkish.
Burel doesn't believe the asterisk will become a permanent part of German orthography, as the Council for German Orthography hasn't included such "gendered special characters" in its guidelines. They're not "a core element of the German orthography."
Politicians are often faulted for claiming gender-sensitive language is complicated and impractical, Ewert notes. "Politicians who want to protect the German language create concepts like climate adaptation law or building energy law. Yet, they use a gender asterisk in them without considering it problematic."
To integrate gender-sensitive language into everyday speech, Burel suggests starting small: "Use gender asterisks in text messages naturally, without commenting on their usage. At some point, I doubt I'll even think about it."; while others feel that it can be challenging to let go of rigid gender roles. Hornscheidt understands: "We know how tiring it is to be a woman. But what about men? Feeling strong and not expressing emotions - that's also tiring."; he suggests embracing all aspects of gender expression.
When in Doubt, Just Ask
Ewert points out that politics often excessively regulates language, affecting everyone regardless of gender. To improve language's inclusivity, however, small, non-instructional actions could be more effective: "Use gender asterisks and other gender-sensitive symbols in your daily life—talk to your friends about them, discuss with colleagues, and simply state your viewpoint."
When it comes to gender-sensitive language usage, mindful milieus can foster acceptance. Hornscheidt advises just asking someone about their preferred pronouns. "Try to simply ask people, 'Which pronoun would you prefer?' There's no rule saying we need a masculine or feminine pronoun. We need to forget old restrictions and consider everyone's feelings equally."
By promoting visibility and visibility, and providing appropriate resources, we may eventually share a future where a gender-equitable language system is the norm. In the meanwhile, political changes may take time, but interaction among individuals is always immediate.
Hornscheidt is aware of the discomfort this symbol can bring, admitting, "I know it can be really unsettling when it disappears or is questioned. What feels liberating for me might be a significant challenge for others." To bridge the gap, she promotes conversation, suggesting, "It could be helpful to say, 'I'm scared, I'm unsure. Could we discuss this again?'"
Ewert also encourages asking questions and admitting mistakes, emphasizing, "Nobody needs to become a perfect anti-discrimination advocate overnight. That's utopian and unrealistic." The focus should be on action, not just on debating language concepts endlessly.
The political landscape has shifted in recent months, too. In April, Germany's Parliament passed the Self-Determination Act, making it easier for individuals to alter their registered gender. Even the gender asterisk has experienced a surge in popularity, echoing the social change evident in our daily lives. Hornscheidt foresees the progression, saying, "This movement, and how fast it's sparked a conversation about the asterisk, is not something that can be reversed."
So, the gender asterisk - a symbol indicating a word could be used for both genders - has become a regular part of German language, and is more prevalent today than ever. It's employed to foster inclusive and respectful communication. But it's still a contentious topic, with some fearing a drastic change in the language, while others view it as necessary. One example lies in pharmaceutical advertisements, which now include the text, "Read the package insert for risks and side effects and ask your doctor, your nurse, or your pharmacist." This change, from "ask your doctor or pharmacist" in the past, was criticized for its gender-neutral language. The Federal Health Ministry has addressed concerns, stating that this language has caused controversy "for years."
Read also:
- Despite opposition from some, the use of gender asterisks and other symbols to promote gender sensitivity in language is gaining traction, with 73% of respondents in a survey rejecting their ban.
- Lann Hornscheidt, a researcher and advocate for discrimination-critical language, argues that gender-sensitive language is not a limitation, but rather a means of promoting respect and equality while avoiding the perpetuation of gendering, such as the assumption of masculinity as a default human trait.
- Transgender individuals and women of color often face intersectional forms of discrimination, including sexism, racism, and cissexism, making it crucial to consider language that is inclusive and respectful of all identities.
- The implementation of gender symbol restrictions in schools and public institutions, such as Bavaria's ban on the asterisk form, raises concerns about censorship, the stifling of creative language usage, and the potential to perpetuate gendering by only focusing on options of masculinity and femininity.
