Gender-specific pronouns and so-called sexism

I can't think of anything more annoying that the way the author of one of my textbooks constantly alternates between "she" and "he." It distracts me every time from focus on the material. And I thought that the "himself or herself" kind of construction was clumsy!

I think we should all go back to the generic "he" and leave English alone. A language should change naturally, not through an imposition of ridiculous, politically-correct rules.

Maybe the reason it bothers you is because you're sexist?

I agree with the opener. Either go back to 'he' or use 'one', although I think lots of people would find that annoying too.

I suggest we use only "she".

The thread about transsexuals comes to ones mind.

<<The thread about transsexuals comes to ones mind. >>

That was a great thread.

What about the "singular they"?

In my view, "he or she" is way clumbersome; "s/he" is just horrible, a veritable black eye for anything beautiful in the English language, and so is "she/he"; "she" is rather funny.

I'd go with "he", or the "singular they".

Anyway, whatever usage we choose, I think it's critically important to stick with it.

With every good wish,

Achab

I agree that an alternation like that would seem contrived. I would say that vernacular English has already given us a solution - singular "they".

<<What about the "singular they"? >>

I'd also vote for singular "they".

In Spanish it happens the same. Masculine always was the default gender but nowadays it is politically correct to use feminine alongside with masculine because it is considered macho supremacist to use masculine only to refer to a collective in which there are women as well( or transexuals for the matter). For example instead of vosotros( you all) now you have to say "vosotros y vosotras". This is crazy.

<<For example instead of vosotros( you all) now you have to say "vosotros y vosotras". This is crazy. >>

Sounds like the RAE (or whatever language regulatory board has jurisdiction in your area) needs to introduce neutral pronouns (and nouns, too), analagous to singular "they" "them", "their", etc.

I propose:
vosotros: a group of men
vosotras: a group of women
vostotres: a group of women, males and transexuals.


But this would add more inflection to the Spanish language and may not be welcomen by Spanish students.

But it may be welcomed by Spanish transsexuals.

(Oh cool! Now you must speak French to post here. That should make greg happy.)

<<But this would add more inflection to the Spanish language and may not be welcomen by Spanish students. >>

Spanish will be a greater language because of this. Having full 3-way gender support for pronouns and adjectives will give it a leg up on its archrival, French.