Understanding Gender-Neutral Pronouns in English
English has traditionally used gender-specific pronouns such as “he” and “she,” but the rise of “they” as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun reflects a shift toward inclusivity. Other pronouns like “ze” or “xe” also exist, primarily used by non-binary individuals. These pronouns are crucial for respecting people’s identities and promoting inclusive communication.
Indonesian Pronouns: A Gender-Neutral Foundation
One of the advantages of the Indonesian language is that its standard third-person pronoun, “dia,” is inherently gender-neutral. Unlike many languages, Indonesian does not differentiate between “he” and “she”; both are simply “dia.” This makes Indonesian more straightforward when translating from English, as you don’t have to choose between masculine or feminine forms.
Examples:
- English: He is a teacher. / She is a teacher. / They (singular) are a teacher.
- Indonesian: Dia adalah seorang guru.
Challenges in Translating Gender-Neutral English Pronouns
Despite the gender-neutrality of “dia,” certain challenges arise, especially with the singular “they” or other neo-pronouns:
- Ambiguity: “Dia” can refer to any gender, but sometimes context requires clarity. In narratives or conversations involving multiple people, you may need to clarify who “dia” refers to.
- Plurality: The English singular “they” may cause confusion, as “they” in Indonesian (“mereka”) is strictly plural.
- Non-binary Pronouns: Indonesian does not yet have widely accepted equivalents for neo-pronouns like “ze” or “xe.”
Best Practices for Handling Gender-Neutral Pronouns
1. Use “Dia” for Most Contexts
For most translations, “dia” is the best equivalent for he, she, or singular they. It is simple, neutral, and widely understood.
2. Clarify with Names or Descriptions
When ambiguity arises, especially in longer texts or stories, you can repeat the person’s name or use additional descriptors to maintain clarity. For example:
- English: Alex said they would come.
- Indonesian: Alex bilang bahwa dia akan datang. (If unclear, repeat “Alex” for clarity: “Alex bilang bahwa Alex akan datang.”)
3. Contextual Explanation for Non-binary Pronouns
For neo-pronouns or when the original text emphasizes a character’s non-binary identity, include a brief explanation or use the person’s name more frequently. This maintains respect for the individual’s identity while ensuring readers understand.
4. Avoid Overusing Plural Pronouns
While “mereka” means “they” (plural), it should not be used for singular they, as this will confuse Indonesian readers. Stick with “dia” for singular references.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using gendered pronouns: Avoid substituting “dia” with “ia” or “beliau” unless formality or respect is required, and never use gendered pronouns where the English is neutral.
- Unnecessary explanations: Only clarify gender or non-binary identity if it is relevant to the context or narrative.
Gender-Neutral Language Beyond Pronouns
Remember that inclusivity in language extends beyond pronouns. When translating, be mindful of gendered job titles or nouns in English and find their neutral equivalents in Indonesian. For example, “waiter/waitress” becomes “pelayan,” and “actor/actress” becomes “aktor” or “pemeran.”
Conclusion
Translating gender-neutral pronouns from English to Indonesian is generally straightforward thanks to the inherent neutrality of “dia.” However, challenges remain, especially regarding clarity and non-binary identities. By following best practices such as using “dia,” clarifying with context, and respecting the individual’s identity, translators and learners can ensure inclusive and accurate communication. For more tips and resources on learning Indonesian, visit the Talkpal AI language learning blog and continue your journey toward mastering this beautiful language.
