I am studying the use of
the pronoun they as a generic pronoun. I was
wondering if you could tell me, if it's possible, when this
pronoun was included in an English dictionary with that meaning,
that is, to replace the generic he.
|
I can't really answer this question directly
as that would involve searching through dozens of English
dictionaries until you found one that didn't include the use
of they as a generic singular pronoun. What
I can tell you is both that this usage has been around for
a very long time and that it continues to arouse strong feelings.
Even though the New Oxford Dictionary of English (1998)
points out in a usage note that they has been
used as a generic singular pronoun since the 16th century,
and the Oxford English Dictionary gives many examples
of its use from the works of a wide range of great English
writers, many people still feel that it is incorrect, especially
when it refers to a noun that is obviously singular.
The New Oxford English Dictionary in
its note points out that the use of they (as
well as them, their etc.) as generic
pronouns became more widespread in the late 20th century as
a way of deliberately avoiding the sexist he, his,
him etc. or the cumbersome he or she. All modern
dictionaries accept this use of they as current
usage, though they vary in their degree of acceptance of it.
Many, like the Macmillan English Dictionary, add a
note saying that although the use is widespread, especially
when referring back to a pronoun such as anyone, everyone,
or someone, some people regard it as incorrect and
so it should be avoided in formal writing.
|