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The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

VIEWPOINT: Develop Gender-Neutral Language in Arabic

VIEWPOINT%3A+Develop+Gender-Neutral+Language+in+Arabic

I was extremely nervous to begin studying Arabic at Georgetown University. Like most people who study Arabic, I had some valid concerns about learning a language radically different from my first language, English. I never thought about how the language intersected with a person’s gender identity, however, until I began taking courses. I realized the lack of gender-inclusive Arabic pronouns excludes nonbinary and gender-nonconforming students interested in learning the language.

Gender-neutral pronouns are not widely taught in Arabic courses at Georgetown, likely because inclusive pronouns are still developing in the Arabic-speaking community. To aid the fight for gender inclusivity in the Arabic language, Georgetown students and instructors have the responsibility to work toward language that includes all gender identities, not just identities within the cisnormative male and female binary. 

Exploring inclusive pronouns is not a simple task; gendered language in Arabic is inescapable. Unlike English, Arabic assigns gender to all its pronouns aside from “we,” including its object pronouns, possessives, tenses and more. Some words even change gender depending on the subject. Arabic designates gender to its “they” and “you” pronouns as well. It remains a monumental task to completely and naturally deviate from gender within Arabic. Nonbinary and gender-nonconforming students are reminded of a very uncomfortable reality when learning and speaking Arabic: The language is not suited for them. 

Often cited as gender-neutral workarounds, the dual of “they” and “you” — هما and أنتما — are the most popular alternatives in Arabic. These pronouns are not without their faults, however. Both pronouns are still gendered with separate masculine and feminine forms. Further, these pronouns are rarely used in colloquial speech, so they may elicit confusion from native speakers. Using these pronouns for a singular person would be even more confusing. 

While the current gender-neutral standard in Arabic may have its flaws, the standard remains an option for nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people. The push for gender inclusivity in Arabic is ongoing, and the Georgetown community must facilitate the conversation on gender inclusivity within Arabic courses. Deviation from the norm would certainly raise some traditionalist eyebrows, however, and not in a curious, eager-to-accommodate way. 

Arabic has historical and contemporary ties with Islam and religious tradition, and it may be challenging to deviate from the language’s norms. Nonetheless, Arabic speakers whose gender identities do not align with the norms of the language should not have to compromise their identity. They deserve representation. 

Acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in Arabic-speaking countries is low. Many countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen have laws forbidding LGBTQ+ behavior. Societal acceptance of all gender identities is an ongoing battle, but creating gender-inclusive pronouns in all languages is a significant step in achieving equality. A 2019 study showed an increase in support for the LGBTQ+ community when language included gender-neutral options. A more inclusive society begins with more inclusive language. Encouraging language exploration would uplift the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to a safer, more inclusive environment for the community. 

Institutions of higher learning like Georgetown can and should be at the forefront of this gender-inclusive conversation. Instructors can encourage student experimentation and the eventual standardization of gender-neutral language and pronouns in Arabic courses. Students can help their LGBTQ+ peers feel included and valid through language exploration. Organizations like the Georgetown University Press — a university-affiliated publisher of books and journals — can include gender-neutral language in their Arabic education materials. Students, instructors and publications can set the precedent for all others to follow. 

Beginning the conversation on gender inclusivity in Arabic would significantly benefit the LGBTQ+ community. Arabic speakers and learners who identify with gender-neutral language would feel less ostracized when learning and speaking the language. Most importantly, the conversation could lead to an increase in societal acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. I call on Georgetown to begin the conversation, for it is long overdue.

Donovan Barnes is a first-year student in the College.

This article was updated on Mar. 26, 2021 to reflect the nature and purpose of Georgetown University Press.

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  • A

    another jane doeAug 24, 2023 at 7:51 pm

    As a white (not american) non-binary person who’s also studying Arabic, I think this article manages to come off minimizing, condescending, and judgemental even though it mostly discusses facts. Arabic is not the only heavily gendered language in existence, the concept is actually not rare at all, and while english accommodates a more neutral way of addressing people, it is still not completely neutral. While studying Arabic you also learn why it’s so gendered, as you cited. Plus, being a very old language, and gender nonconforming people having existed for millennia, there actually are terms that those same people used for themselves, so maybe let’s look into those first. So while I agree that we should integrate more inclusive terminology (in all languages and in all spaces, not just in this context), mostly for the non-binary people who live in Arabic speaking countries, I also believe we as people (especially if white) who weren’t born into those countries or into Arabic speaking families should try to decenter our focus from “how it is in america”, for example. Also cause it’s not that good there or elsewhere either.
    The spirit of this is sweet, in a very broad, much larger sense, but I fail to see how Georgetown could help.
    I encourage you, if anything, to look for non-binary people of Arab origin and what they have to say. To create more space for them to safely try to make their issues known and move forward, since languages are always morphing as times passes.
    Again, decentralize your point of view in front of a much broader issue that involves an entire, secular, very tied with culture language.
    You could utilize this space to report what you find and cite them and to help reach more people who were just looking for more inclusive terms and connection in a language they adore so much, like I was, or even Arabic speaking people looking for a feeling of belonging in their own language/culture.

    Reply
  • A

    areej✨Apr 25, 2022 at 7:18 pm

    I read the article and the comments (most of them were negative😕) and I just wanna know what can i use to talk about a non-binary person. I know a cool person and I usually talk about them to my other friends and sisters but my sisters only speak Arabic so it confuses me. Is using هم okay?

    Reply
  • F

    Farnaz PerryFeb 2, 2022 at 5:12 am

    In Arabic all the ‘masculine’ pronouns (singular, dual, and plural) are non-binary. I don’t know why they were not teaching this at Georgetown at the time this article was written. I hope that the writer has figured it out by now. A couple of courses on orientalism and its evils would be useful too or self-study? Shame that Hoya publishes misinformation.

    Reply
  • R

    RolaOct 5, 2021 at 2:47 pm

    I can’t believe I had to go through this article hoping that I would read something useful or find some academic references of interest since I’m writing an essay on this issue… Are you aware that most languages have this issue of gendered nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives? Did you check Spanish? German? French? Hebrew? among many others… What does Islam and LGBTQ rights in Arab countries have to do with this? You think Christianity or Judaism are cool regarding LGBTQ community? Or that non-Arab countries treat the community respectfully and provide them with their rights? Have you visited Arab countries or talked to Arab LGBTQ communities?
    If you had written your point in an academic manner, investigating linguistics and languages family trees, you would’ve been instigating a conversation. This indeed sounds more like a complaint that should be posted on your personal Facebook page. Too bad…
    PS- Georgetown does not and will not have have a say in this. Such changes happen within the organic environment of the language and they have started.

    Reply
  • N

    NuraJun 8, 2021 at 10:48 am

    As a native Hebrew speaker who also speaks decent Arabic – I think you single-handedly solved the conflict in the Middle East. At least there’s one thing we can all agree on – leave Semitic languages alone! It’s for local speakers to deal with.

    P.S. – Farsi and Turkish are not gendered. You can switch.

    Reply
  • C

    Chu-hanJun 2, 2021 at 10:58 am

    I have to say, I widely agree with what you’ve said. As an nb student who’s spent some years learning arabic, it is a shame that there is no gender-neutral options. It hasn’t put me off learning it, as it is a beautiful language and culture, but some form of gender-neutral address, whether that is a different use of existing pronouns (like plural they) or something else, would have been great. If I ever get the chance to visit an Arabic-speaking country, I would use recognised pronouns, but even just within lessons it would have been useful!

    On note of some of the other things mentioned, I think clearly the bigger issue is LGBT+ oppression, but also language is something that is constantly evolving to suit our needs. There’s a reason languages have dialects and ancient and modern forms, and there is no desire to eradicate history or dishonour religious culture by adding to that language today. Absolutely, change should be done from within a culture, because nobody else understands it better, but that doesn’t mean that others can’t support that issue.

    Reply
  • J

    John DoeMay 11, 2021 at 12:22 pm

    This is absolutely disgusting. Forcing languages to adopt gender neutral terms is a form of vandalism in the highest form. You’d be perfect for working in the CIA, because you want to take an ancient culture and destroy it.

    Reply
  • I

    IssaMay 10, 2021 at 3:08 pm

    “Institutions of higher learning like Georgetown can and should be at the forefront of this gender-inclusive conversation.”

    Take up this burden!

    Reply
  • A

    Ailayah A.May 7, 2021 at 11:08 pm

    From an Arab, please leave our language alone. An entire language and culture will not change to accommodate western ideas of gender that directly contradict the culture and societal ideas of our own. If you want to learn our language, then do it our way. You are a tourist in this learning experience. The world will not change for you. This is extremely disrespectful and ignorant.

    Reply
  • N

    NachumMay 4, 2021 at 3:25 am

    Merely having a name that screams “privilege” in a Woke world must be a terrible burden. The pressure to compensate must be overwhelming.

    Still and all, it might be best to think twice before hitting the “send” button.

    Reply
  • M

    MMMay 3, 2021 at 5:41 pm

    What a flaming trash heap…as a grad student in linguistics, speaker of Arabic among several other languages, and a human who’s read up on contemporary history, I recognized this as a bunch of imperialist hogwash from a mile away.

    Back off from other people’s cultures and drop the white savior mentality. You’re free to work toward progressive social goals in your own society, but inserting your contextually-grounded views into an entirely different culture is regressive and obtuse.

    Reply
  • B

    BenMay 3, 2021 at 3:47 pm

    What is “the Arabic-speaking community”? Genuinely confused.

    Reply
  • M

    Moiz MohammedMay 3, 2021 at 2:12 am

    I’m guessing this author hasnt read Edward Said’s Orientalism

    Reply
  • I

    IbrahimMay 2, 2021 at 7:39 pm

    Hopefully you will look back upon this article with embarrassment when you are no longer a child.

    Reply
  • S

    SeanMay 2, 2021 at 7:28 pm

    Since imperialism has fallen out of fashion, I’m glad we’re finding other ways to force other cultures to bend to our will. Keep up good work Donovan.

    Reply
  • ‘16May 1, 2021 at 12:51 pm

    good thing “idiot” is gender-neutral

    Reply
    • N

      NuraJun 8, 2021 at 10:45 am

      Not in Arabic!

      Reply
  • Q

    Queer ShamiMay 1, 2021 at 10:39 am

    White ppl need to stop colonizing other languages!

    Reply
  • T

    TimMay 1, 2021 at 7:32 am

    The argument can be explored and people can talk about it and explore what is the gray area. However the Qur’an is pretty black and white. There’s no in-between or confusing areas.

    You cannot just add gender neutral language to a language that was used to write the Qur’an. Changing that will be directly linked to a holy book used for centuries and currently read by almost 2 billion people.
    “We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it.”SURAH AL HIJR 9

    Also the Qur’an was very clear in declaring the genders. A male and a female. Again, no gray area.

    “O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and We made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, (the) most noble of you near Allah (is the) most righteous of you Indeed, Allah (is) All-Knower, All-Aware”
    SURAH AL HUJURAT 13

    Were you considering the influence of the Qur’an on Arabic and Muslims when proposing developing a gender neutral Arabic language? How will you address it or introduce it practically?

    Reply
  • A

    AApr 23, 2021 at 11:34 pm

    Hey, non-binary person here. I just came out to my Arabic professor and explained that since there isn’t a neuter pronoun in Arabic, I’ve tried not to worry too much about it. That’s what you do when you choose to learn a language; you accept its premises and the cultural norms that accompany it. Western imperialism helped to create Arabic-speaking countries which don’t cater to queer people more generally, as western countries have often sponsored, endorsed, or bolstered radical, traditionalist movements. Not so much as acknowledging that when you decide to blame an entire region for their cultural background is disingenuous and a classic case of cultural imperialism. Centering the situation on Georgetown University, a rich kid feeder school for the CIA is downright shameful. Please do better.

    Reply
  • K

    KApr 11, 2021 at 9:34 pm

    Frankly as many of the comments have already said this is a culturally imperialist article. It has the strange presumption that Arabic speakers themselves would be incapable of independently coming up with gender-inclusive vocabulary without the aid of majority-white institutions. The author seems to forget that there are actual gender queer people living in the Arabic speaking world who are more than capable of advocating for their own cause. While Georgetown as an institution of higher learning may certainly work to champion their cause, the fact that the article argues that the university should create this vocabulary and then impose it on the actual non-binary people of the Arabic speaking world is upsetting.

    The people of the Arabic speaking world do not need to be civilized by a university like Georgetown, and non-binary native Arabic speakers are more than capable of creating their own inclusive vocabulary. I find it quite ironic that the author as an Arabic seems to show exceptional prejudice towards the speakers of the language he is learning.

    Reply
  • M

    MaxMar 30, 2021 at 4:30 pm

    I think it is pretty ethnocentrist and presumptuous (and weirdly imperialist) to write an article that rails on a foreign language that has developed continuously over centuries for not using the language that a particular sector of American civil society is increasingly coming to use today. This argument is poorly explicated (and, as Emelie mentions above, “reductive”) because it fails to 1. contextualize Arabic as one of numerous gendered languages— many of which are “Western”, 2. acknowledge the roles that Western colonialism and imperialism have played in reinforcing “traditional” conceptions of gender, 3. address the nuance in the ways in which different sectors of global civil society conceptualize gender and sexuality, 4. amplify the voices of those who have grown up in or live in Arabic-speaking countries who are already using gender-neutral pronouns and/or are pushing to shift public opinion in favour of accepting these new variations, 5. acknowledge that not all Arabic dialects use the same gendered language as you are learning in Georgetown textbooks written in fus7a— see Palestinian Arabic in Nazareth and Tira, for example… there are plenty of other reasons that contribute to the weakness of this argument but I think I have made my point.

    It is probably the best practice that LGBTQ+ individuals and allies such as myself practice intersectionality, which means refraining from applying U.S.-centric frameworks to everything and making sweeping ethnocentrist generalizations. I also have a hard time accepting the author’s claim that “there aren’t many vocal nonbinary Arabic speakers” in response to one of the comments above. I don’t disagree with the author’s point that GUPress should consider incorporating commentary on nonbinary approaches to Arabic that come from within the Arabic-speaking world in their textbooks but that does not seem like it was intended to be the main point of this piece.

    Reply
    • D

      Donovan BarnesApr 5, 2021 at 7:49 pm

      Hi Max, thanks for your comment on my piece.

      If you truly believe that I am “rail[ing] on a foreign language,” I’m not sure I should even give your comment the time of day.

      Claiming that gender-neutral language is “language that a particular sector of American civil society is increasingly coming to use today” is simply a misinformed take. Gender-neutral language is seen throughout many languages. Sometimes it’s neutral through the language’s rules, and sometimes neutral pronouns/workarounds are created by native nonbinary speakers so they don’t have to give up their identity.

      To claim that the nonbinary community is only “a particular sector of American civil society” and their pursuit of inclusivity is “U.S.-centric” is wholly misinformed. I would encourage you to do some research on the community and the many efforts of language inclusivity around the world.

      Max, remember, this was simply an opinion piece (with a word limit), not a nuanced dissertation. You criticize my work for failing to include the many facets of conversation surrounding gender-neutral language and gender inclusivity, but it seems as if the points you make are just further conversation that needs to be had. The conversation that I called for in my piece, to begin with.

      My piece simply called for the Georgetown community to encourage talks of gender inclusivity in Arabic courses; to encourage the gender-neutral workarounds already laid out by native Arabic speakers. Unsure how any of that is “making sweeping ethnocentrist generalizations” or imperialist.

      It seems as if you had a preconceived narrative before even reading or analyzing my piece.

      Reply
  • E

    EmelieMar 29, 2021 at 5:36 pm

    Hi Donovan,

    I am glad my comment prompted a response. To leave you in no doubt, I did read your article.

    The study you are referring to is, well, a study conducted in Sweden, a country which before the introduction of gender-neutral terms was one of the most gender-equal and inclusive countries in the world. I doubt its relevance to the Middle East. To clarify, I never said that language has no impact, but I did say that I believe it is of relatively little importance in improving LGBTQ+ rights. I frankly do not think you need a study to see that that is the case.

    You imply in your response that you want to encourage a conversation of language inclusivity at Georgetown. But in your article, Donovan, you write that “Institutions of higher learning like Georgetown can and should be at the forefront of this gender-inclusive conversation”. This sentence contradicts that the purpose of introducing gender-neutral neologisms would be for use within the Georgetown community only. In fact, it suggests that the institution should create a trend.

    Moreover, if you did not wish to impose your language preferences more broadly, you would not have found the need to bring up the region’s dire record with regards to LGBTQ+ rights in the paragraph right after the one suggesting Georgetown should be at the forefront using gender-neutral terms in Arabic.

    But let’s say the neologisms would only be used at Georgetown, “a university that is well-known for its Arabic studies”. You cannot properly teach/learn a language separate from how it is spoken by its native speakers. That defeats the point of language learning if that point is to actually engage and converse with native speakers.

    You write that your “piece was written so nonbinary students don’t have to switch languages due to the lack of gender-neutral options”. To that, I can only say that I sincerely hope that the existence of masculine and feminine in Arabic is not in itself sufficient to deter non-binary students from studying the language. In the end, I think that it is up to the individual student to decide how much importance they attach to it. After all, learning a foreign language entails learning about foreign cultures, ways of living etc that are not necessarily within our own comfort zones. I hope you learn Arabic as it is and don’t try to shield yourself away in a bubble.

    Reply
    • D

      Donovan BarnesApr 5, 2021 at 7:17 pm

      Emelie, thanks for your continued contribution to this important topic.

      If you thoroughly read the 2019 study, it specifically mentions the issue of differentiating between pure language influence and cultural influence. The study explains that it surveyed more than 3,000 Swedish adults “from varied walks of life, ideological leanings, and educational backgrounds, which contributes to generalizability.” Emelie, while you claim the study is not applicable to the Middle East due to cultural differences, the researchers might wholeheartedly disagree with you. They purposely chose to survey individuals of similar culture, citing that: “…since all study participants share a Swedish culture, these studies isolate language effects from cultural influence.” While you believe that language has little influence on LGBTQ+ acceptance— the peer-reviewed data says otherwise.

      To your second point, it seems as if you conveniently leave out where I call upon Georgetown students and instructors to experiment with gender-neutral language within their Arabic courses. You can pull out-of-context quotes from my article to aid in your narrative and criticisms of my work, but I think it remains clear as to what I am advocating for.

      Also, to suggest that gender-neutral language is some sort of “trend” is dehumanizing and dangerous. Neither the nonbinary community nor their language is a “trend.” On the same note, broad gender inclusivity is not a trend, either.

      Emelie, I chose to include LGBTQ+ acceptance statistics in the piece to highlight the challenges still faced by the community. You’ll notice directly after the statistics, I cite the study showing language’s positive effect on LGBTQ+ acceptance. I could have cited the Polish government’s mistreatment of the community or the low acceptance of the community in certain parts of the United States, but those statistics wouldn’t have much relation to Arabic, the topic of my piece.

      Remember, I authored the piece. It seems a little backward for you to tell me what I was supposedly suggesting. I’ll give you this: In hindsight, I should have been more explicit with my intentions throughout the piece.

      Emelie, I’m not sure where you see calls for neologisms in my piece. There is already a gender-neutral workaround in Arabic. A workaround that is neither taught nor spoken of at Georgetown. I suggested we talk about it.

      “You cannot properly teach/learn a language separate from how it is spoken by its native speakers.”

      Emelie, you will be very disappointed to know that Georgetown teaches its students Modern Standard Arabic, a standard dialect of Arabic that is not spoken by any native speakers in daily life.

      Your concluding remarks are not only insensitive but also extremely dehumanizing. Nonbinary students should not have to forgo their personal identity to learn a language, especially a language with established gender-neutral workarounds. Your sentiments are dangerous and can lead to and amplify anti-LGBTQ+ opinion. Advocating for inclusivity is not “shield[ing] [one]self away in a bubble.” Do better.

      Reply
      • K

        Khairuldeen Al MakhzoomiMay 1, 2021 at 3:55 am

        Emily well said. I was about to go full speed on this kid, I was laughing so hard reading this piece. Two main themes in this article ( hypocrisy and contradiction). You can’t reason with people like them. He doesn’t even understand the culture in the region.

        Another example stating that Saudi Arabia and UAE have laws against LGBTQ… perhaps he:she:they never visited the place to observe that you can do what you want just be respectful of the culture, don’t kiss in public and don’t have sex. Very simple.

        Reply
        • D

          DRKMay 4, 2021 at 11:21 am

          So he is right then. Saudi Arabia and UAE do have laws against LBGT people, very draconian ones. The penalties range from imprisonment to lashing to death. People, especially men, get arrested for this every year, the Middle East is a hellhole for gay people. Your attempted whitewash of this is absurd.

          It will take more than pronoun change to fix this, though. Barnes is just a kid, and like a lot of kids he has an idealistic view of life. You can’t demand a language that isn’t even your mother tongue unilaterally change to suit you, that is colonialist and ridiculous. Sorry, kid, but it’s true. Check your privilege.

          Reply
  • E

    EmelieMar 28, 2021 at 1:12 pm

    A first-year American student of Arabic believes they have found the solution to the Arabic-speaking region’s lack of tolerance. How unique.

    This article is so reductive it is embarrassing.

    Firstly, if language was so important for LGBTQ+ rights, then countries with gender-neutral languages should be at the forefront of this matter. This is simply not the case. But if the author feels offended studying Arabic, they can always stop and perhaps switch to a gender-neutral option such as Farsi or Mandarin.

    Secondly and very importantly, since when do some white Americans believe it is legitimate that they get to impose their language preferences on hundreds of millions of native Arabic speakers? They even suggest this should be done from within an American institution.

    Last but not least, the article is all about the author feeling excluded by simply studying Arabic. There are no allusions to conversations with LGBTQ+ communities in the region and their experiences related to the matter. Rather a poor effort for someone claiming to be advocating for inclusivity.

    Thanks, but the region does not need your white-saviour complex.

    Reply
    • D

      Donovan BarnesMar 28, 2021 at 6:33 pm

      Hi Emilie, author of the piece here!

      Thanks for your comment, I wrote this piece to begin the conversation, and that’s exactly what it did— thanks for participating in the conversation!

      “A first-year American student of Arabic believes they have found the solution to the Arabic-speaking region’s lack of tolerance.”

      Emilie, did you read the piece? To infer I present the end-all solution to intolerance is dishonest, I would encourage you to give my piece a second read!

      “…if language was so important for LGBTQ+ rights”

      Emilie, did you read the 2019 study I referenced? It explains language’s effect on the LGBTQ+ community. I encourage you to give that study another read!

      “But if the author feels offended studying Arabic, they can always stop and perhaps switch to a gender-neutral option such as Farsi or Mandarin.”

      Emilie, remember, my piece was written so nonbinary students don’t have to switch languages due to the lack of gender-neutral options!

      “…impose their language preferences on hundreds of millions of native Arabic speakers?”

      Emilie, if you read the piece, you will see that I am encouraging a conversation of language inclusivity at Georgetown, a university that is well-known for its Arabic studies. Curious as to where I impose my preferences on hundreds of millions of native speakers?

      “There are no allusions to conversations with LGBTQ+ communities in the region and their experiences related to the matter.”

      Emilie, I’m sure you know, but there aren’t many vocal nonbinary Arabic speakers. If you want to hear some scholarly voices on this topic, I would encourage you to do some research on Dima Ayoub, Daina Rudusa and Omar Fattal.

      Again, thanks for being apart of this conversation!

      Reply
    • D

      Donovan BarnesMar 28, 2021 at 7:36 pm

      Hi Emelie, author of the piece here!

      Thanks for your comment, I wrote this piece to begin the conversation, and that’s exactly what it did— thanks for participating in the conversation!

      “A first-year American student of Arabic believes they have found the solution to the Arabic-speaking region’s lack of tolerance.”

      Emelie, did you read the piece? To infer I present the end-all solution to intolerance is dishonest, I would encourage you to give my piece a second read!

      “…if language was so important for LGBTQ+ rights”

      Emelie, did you read the 2019 study I referenced? It explains language’s effect on the LGBTQ+ community. I encourage you to give that study another read!

      “But if the author feels offended studying Arabic, they can always stop and perhaps switch to a gender-neutral option such as Farsi or Mandarin.”

      Emelie, remember, my piece was written so nonbinary students don’t have to switch languages due to the lack of gender-neutral options!

      “…impose their language preferences on hundreds of millions of native Arabic speakers?”

      Emelie, if you read the piece, you will see that I am encouraging a conversation of language inclusivity at Georgetown, a university that is well-known for its Arabic studies. Curious as to where I impose my preferences on hundreds of millions of native speakers?

      “There are no allusions to conversations with LGBTQ+ communities in the region and their experiences related to the matter.”

      Emelie, I’m sure you know, but there aren’t many vocal nonbinary Arabic speakers. If you want to hear some scholarly voices on this topic, I would encourage you to do some research on Dima Ayoub, Daina Rudusa, and Omar Fattal.

      Again, thanks for being apart of this conversation!

      Reply
      • I

        Isaiah Estabrooks-RingDec 10, 2023 at 3:56 pm

        You could at least acknowledge the culture of gender non-conformity that has existed in the Arab world. Research “Mukhannathun”. Also, I don’t see how using dual form is that different from using “they” as singular in English. Considering that Arabic is regarded as a sacred language by many it should follow that any trends in usage have historical and linguistical relevance to the experiences of its speakers.

        Reply
  • J

    JamesMar 27, 2021 at 8:37 pm

    I think there’s a word for this. Cultural imperialism

    Reply
  • A

    Anti-imperialistMar 27, 2021 at 3:53 pm

    Please stop colonizing other languages. Leave Arabic and Arab culture to the Arabs. Instead of imposing your ideology on another language, stick to learning about the language and culture, and then go work at the CIA like all the other Georgetown students.

    Reply
  • G

    GabriellaMar 25, 2021 at 11:57 pm

    Very exceptional work, Donovan Barnes. Thank you for shedding light on an often overlooked issue and being an ally and voice for a community that sees their concerns commonly dismissed.

    Reply