Politacaly incorrect Grammer rule?

Question

I have a teacher who uses the "he" as a defualt, instead of saing "they" or "he or she" I have never met anyone who speaks this way. It makes me feel as if he is intintionaly discriminating me. Is he being sexist or is it just because he's old? He has been teaching since 1970. BTW, what is the name of that rule, I've heard it in two English classes but it's just one of those things I can't seem to remember.

Answer 1

"He" has been the default pronoun in English for as long as English has been a language. It is a very, very new development that it has become seen as unacceptable, and some people are refusing to move on with the times. I doubt very much that he is being sexist; he probably views the change to "he or she" as silly and unnecessary. Many writers today are looking for new ways to word things in a PC way without ruining the sound of the language. Try not to take offense; I don't believe he is trying to be derogatory.

Answer 2

Before all of this "gender neutral" politically correct crap, the proper pronoun to use was 'he'. It wasn't considered sexist, it was just one of the rules of grammar. But after a while, it got to be considered sexist, so people started saying 'he or she', which didn't really stick.

Technically, you're not supposed to use what's known as a 'singular they', but that rule is beginning to break down because there is a need for something to use besides 'he' or 'he or she' or 'she' or 'she or he'.

He's probably not being sexist- that's just the way he was supposed to talk when he learned the language.

Answer 3

Grammar is essential. Grammar carries meaning, just as individual words do. For one thing, English is more concerned with time/tense than some other languages. English speakers need to know when something happened: Last month, always or never, since you were a child, or right now. We need to know who performed the action and who received the action: I read the book, or The book read me. We need to know if something depends on another event: If it rains tomorrow, we won't go swimming. We need to express hypothetical situations: If I had known you were in the hospital, I would've visited you. To a learner, grammar is the main thing. You will not be able to speak if you don't learn grammar. People will not understand you, and you'll be limited to one-word utterances. Also keep in mind that some native speakers who answer questions here think of grammar as something they only use when writing. Native speakers forget that we use grammar to speak as well: their grammar comes more naturally to them; they grew up with it.

Answer 4

In fact, the use of "they" is just wrong. A person is clearly talking about a single person, yet he/she uses the word "they" to avoid giving away the sex, or to avoid being politically incorrect. "He or she" and "he/she" have come more into vogue in writing, but I have met few people who actually talk that way. Ironically, in writing many times you'll see "she" to avoid the political incorrectness.

The fact is, English (as well as many other languages) has no singular sex-independent pronoun. I wouldn't want anybody to feel uncomfortable, but please don't fall into the trap of thinking that a person who uses an "incorrect" form is automatically sexist, racist, or anything-else-ist. I have known the kindest, gentlest people who use politically incorrect language, and people who use "correct" language yet harbor ill feelings in their hearts.

I would just ask that you extend a little bit of grace to this teacher. If you were in his shoes and experienced what he's experienced, you would almost certainly do the same.

Answer 5

I doubt that your instructor is being intentionally sexist. Back in the day, "he" was the default pronoun used rather than selecting the he/she pronoun choice or the third person they pronoun choice that requires one to make sure the verb agrees in number with the subject. If your teacher has been around since the seventies, this was the way he learned it as gender considerations hadn't come into play yet. I am not sure why he hasn't updated his delivery, but I must admit that I occasionally slip into old patterns myself. Of course, I try to auto correct before my students correct me. Our language is a wonderful, dynamic force, and you have identified one of those elements that has changed dramatically in fairly recent history. Be kind to the older folks, for you will be one too someday if you are lucky. By the way, kudos on your attentive ear. Many students miss such faux pas.

Answer 6

I wouldn't be worried about the grammar being used in your school. I would worry about they way they are teaching you to spell.

Why do people post questions and answers with spelling errors? There's a spell check feature!!! Hello! It's not rocket science! It's spelling for Pete's sake.

Answer 7

He should insist that you use it, too, as this is the only grammatically correct way to say it. You could use 'he/she' in your writing, but I would knock a point off for awkwardness. Using 'they' is absolutely wrong, and using 'she' when the gender is unknown is also wrong.

Quit looking to be a victim.

Answer 8

"They" is plural and should not be used as singular, while "he or she" is awkward. Your teacher is technically correct by the conventions of English grammar in using it in a context of an unknown gender.

Answer 9

"He" is proper to use when speaking of an individual of as yet undetermined gender.

I knew a woman from Taiwan who learned English and always referred to any individual as "he" even if she knew their gender, not because she didn't understand English but because she said that is how they were referred to in her country.

Answer 10

No, it's just a rule. Don't be bothered by it! Your teacher is grammatically correct.