Language

Why formulate the language to be gender neutral?

Why formulate the language to be gender neutral? “That is just complicated and restrictive!” is one frequent objection. For example:

“The President (male form in German) stated that a professor’s (male form) mandate includes not only research but also the teaching of doctoral students (male form).”

How was the President introduced? Female or male? What about the professor? Without doubt male. It is the same for most people when persons are termed masculine in a text. We readers actually know though that a text like our example should also apply to women. This theoretical knowledge, however, is not sufficient to conjure up the idea of a woman as a professor just as much as a man when reading.

It requires practice – and to start with a certain degree of courage – to use male and female forms as a matter of course in the spoken language. It is worth the trouble though. The women or the female students listen more attentively, get involved more as persons and frequently ask new questions. Men too ask more selectively – they perceive the women differently.

To get started you can see here a shortened version of Rules and tips and a Dictionary.

You can download additional information in the right column.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any feedback on gender correct spelling of your publications.