Zuzanna Jusińska: Reclaiming Neuter Gender? Linguistic Practices of Non-Binary Speakers

Invitation pdf

Zuzanna Jusińska (University of Warsaw):
Reclaiming Neuter Gender? Linguistic Practices of Non-Binary Speakers

Abstract
This paper examines the linguistic practices of Polish non-binary speakers, focusing on their use of neuter grammatical gender. In many languages, using "it" or neuter gender for people often expresses negative judgments and distances the referent from full human status. Neuter gender and the pronoun "it" commonly have pejorative connotations, reflecting a broader dehumanization or objectification. I argue that when non-binary people refer to themselves with neuter grammatical gender it is not merely linguistic innovation but a practice akin to slur reclamation.