Language is an essential part of human communication, but it also has its drawbacks. One of these is that it can be used to perpetuate oppression and discrimination through linguistic binaries and gendered grammar. These are often used to define people based on their gender, which can lead to harmful consequences for non-binary individuals who do not fit into the male/female binary. In this article, we will explore how non-binary perspectives on language expose the moral and ontological violence inherent in linguistic binaries and gendered grammar.
Linguistic binaries refer to the concept of dividing things into two categories, usually "male" and "female." This can be seen in languages like English where nouns are divided into masculine, feminine, and neuter genders.
Many languages have more than two genders, such as Navajo, which recognizes up to ten different genders. Linguistic binaries reinforce the idea that there are only two possible sexes or sexual orientations, making it difficult for non-binary individuals to express themselves accurately.
Gendered grammar refers to the way that a person's grammatical gender may change depending on whether they are speaking about another person of their own gender or a person of a different gender.
In Spanish, "él" (he) and "ella" (she) refer to both men and women, while "usted" (you) is used when addressing someone older or in a position of authority. Gendered grammar can exclude non-binary individuals who do not identify with either traditional gender roles.
Non-binary perspectives on language challenge these ideas by rejecting the notion that there are only two genders or that gender should be defined based on biology alone. Instead, they recognize that gender is a spectrum, and that people can identify as anywhere along that spectrum. Non-binary perspectives also question the need for gendered pronouns altogether, suggesting instead that we use gender-neutral terms like "they/them" or create new pronouns specifically for non-binary individuals.
By challenging linguistic binaries and gendered grammar, non-binary perspectives expose the moral and ontological violence inherent in them. Moral violence occurs when one group imposes its beliefs onto another without considering their experiences or perspectives. Ontological violence happens when one group's viewpoint is seen as superior to others, leading to oppression and discrimination. Linguistic binaries and gendered grammar perpetuate this violence by reinforcing the idea that there are only two possible ways to exist - male or female - and that anyone outside of those categories must fit into the binary or face exclusion.
This issue has been addressed by movements such as gender-inclusive language advocacy, which aims to create more inclusive language policies in workplaces, schools, and other institutions. Organizations like Trans* H4CK provide resources to help educate businesses about transgender issues and encourage the adoption of gender-inclusive language practices. There have also been attempts to introduce gender-neutral pronouns in some languages, such as Swedish, which now offers the gender-neutral pronoun "hen" alongside traditional masculine and feminine ones.
Non-binary perspectives on language have exposed the moral and ontological violence inherent in linguistic binaries and gendered grammar. By challenging these ideas, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone feels represented and respected, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. This requires an openness to change and a willingness to acknowledge that not everyone fits neatly into the male/female binary. We must continue to work towards creating spaces where everyone feels safe to express themselves fully and freely, free from the constraints of outdated and harmful language conventions.
How do non-binary perspectives on language expose the moral and ontological violence inherent in linguistic binaries and gendered grammar?
The concept of non-binary perspectives on language reveals the hidden forms of violence present in binary systems such as grammatical genders. These perspectives are informed by sociolinguistics research that argues against traditional conceptions of language, which have been based on binarized categories like male/female and masculine/feminine.