Tract #05 – Let’s celebrate inclusive writing!

The French language poses significant challenges due to its complexity and numerous grammatical rules. However, one of the most confusing and erratic aspects of this language is its system of gendering objects. This situation frequently creates confusion and can even be considered offensive to some individuals. We must therefore examine without delay the idea of ​​purifying the French language in order to align the gender of objects with that felt by the user and consider how this can be beneficial in terms of recognizing gender identity and preventing possible offenses.

There is no denying that the French language has some puzzling quirks when it comes to the gender of objects. For example, why is a chair considered feminine (“une chaise”), while an armchair, a similar object, is considered masculine (“un fauteuil”)? This inconsistency makes learning the French language difficult for non-native speakers and is also problematic for people whose gender identity differs from the gender that is “normally” associated with the object.

To remedy this situation, a purification of the French language is essential. By adjusting the gender of objects according to the gender of those who use them, we can create a more inclusive linguistic system that respects everyone's identity. Therefore, someone who identifies as Valérie could say "je vais m'assise sur cette chaise" or "ce fauteuille", while Kevin will say "je m'assisois sur ce chais" or "ce fauteuil". By establishing a correspondence between the gender felt and the gender assigned to objects, we can avoid any potential offense or discomfort linked to the use of inappropriate terms.

In addition to creating a language that respects everyone's identity, purifying the French language would also have the advantage of better recognizing and identifying the gender in which a person feels. In our contemporary society, more and more people identify outside of the traditional categories of masculine and feminine. For them, a linguistic system that does not recognize their gender can lead to marginalization and invisibility of their identity. By offering a language that allows them to express themselves authentically, we promote a more inclusive and respectful society in which everyone can feel fully recognized.

It is also worth emphasizing that language does not only describe reality, but plays an active role in constructing that reality. In other words, the way we use language, including the way we assign gender to objects, influences our perception and understanding of the world around us.

In the specific case of object gender, it is important to recognize that gender is a social construct that varies from culture to culture. The French language, with its distinctive grammatical system, has contributed to the creation of this social construct. However, this does not mean that object gender is immutable or that it cannot be questioned.

By acknowledging that gender is fluid and can be experienced and expressed in different ways, we are changing the way we interact with the world. By purifying the French language so that objects can be assigned gender based on how individuals feel, we are giving legitimacy to each person's experience and contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and respectful society.

The complexity and opacity of the gender of objects in the French language has always been a source of confusion and difficulty. A purification of the language, aimed at aligning the gender of objects with that felt by each person, allows us to create a more inclusive language that respects each person's identity. By assigning genders according to felt gender, we avoid potential offenses and allow each person to express themselves in a language that reflects their identity. This linguistic purification will be an important step towards a more tolerant and understanding society regarding gender differences. Finally, by embracing this linguistic evolution, we become aware of the power of language in the construction of our reality and we pave the way for a society that is more respectful of each person's identity.