Why Avoid Gender in French?
French nouns and pronouns are typically gendered as either masculine or feminine, which can pose a barrier for non-binary individuals or those seeking more neutral language. Additionally, learners may find gender rules confusing and prone to mistakes. Using gender-neutral language not only helps foster inclusivity but can also simplify some aspects of learning French. Many institutions, organizations, and individuals now promote or adopt gender-neutral language to reflect modern values and ensure respectful communication.
Linguistic Strategies for Avoiding Gender in French
1. Use Neutral Words and Expressions
One of the simplest ways to avoid gender in French is to choose words that are inherently neutral. For example, instead of saying un étudiant (a male student) or une étudiante (a female student), you can use une personne (a person) or un individu (an individual), both of which are gender-neutral in meaning.
2. Employ Plural Forms or Collective Nouns
When referring to a group of people, using plural or collective nouns can help neutralize gender. For example, instead of le président or la présidente, you might say le personnel dirigeant (the management staff) or le comité (the committee). This shifts the focus from individual gendered roles to a collective entity.
3. Use Passive Voice or Impersonal Constructions
French allows for the use of passive voice or impersonal expressions, which can eliminate the need to specify the subject’s gender. For example, instead of il a écrit la lettre (he wrote the letter) or elle a écrit la lettre (she wrote the letter), you can say la lettre a été écrite (the letter was written), thus removing the gendered subject.
4. Adopt Inclusive Writing (Écriture Inclusive)
Écriture inclusive has become a popular method for creating more gender-neutral French texts. This includes:
- Using the midpoint (point médian): For example, les étudiant·e·s combines both masculine and feminine forms.
- Using doublets: Listing both genders, such as chers/chères collègues (dear colleagues).
- Using slashes: For instance, un/une professeur(e).
While these forms are more common in written French, they help signal inclusivity and respect for all identities.
5. Favor Non-Gendered Job Titles and Roles
Many traditional job titles in French are gendered, but alternatives are becoming more widespread. For example, instead of le policier or la policière, you can use le personnel de police (police staff). For professions like docteur or docteure, simply using le médecin (the doctor) works for any gender.
6. Use Neutral Pronouns and Neologisms
Some French speakers and writers are introducing neutral pronouns, such as iel (combining il and elle), celleux (for ceux and celles), or elleux. These are not yet officially recognized by the Académie Française but are gaining traction in certain circles, especially among younger speakers and in online communities.
Practical Examples for Everyday Use
Here are some practical examples of how to apply these strategies in daily conversation or writing:
- Instead of Bonjour à tous (Hello everyone, masculine), use Bonjour à toutes et à tous or Bonjour à tout le monde (Hello everyone, neutral).
- Replace mesdames et messieurs (ladies and gentlemen) with cher public (dear audience).
- Use le corps enseignant (teaching staff) instead of les professeurs (professors, gendered in the plural).
Challenges and Considerations
While gender-neutral strategies are increasingly accepted, not all native speakers are familiar with or supportive of these changes. Some forms, like the midpoint, are not yet part of standard French grammar and may not be accepted in formal or academic contexts. Language learners should be aware of their audience and context, using more inclusive forms where appropriate and accepted.
Conclusion: Embracing Inclusivity in French Language Learning
As you continue your French learning journey with resources like Talkpal, embracing gender-neutral language can make your communication more inclusive and accessible. By applying these linguistic strategies, you not only support equality and respect but also simplify some of the complexities of French grammar. Stay curious, keep practicing, and remember that language is a living tool that evolves with its speakers.
