LINGUIST List 4.529

Wed 07 Jul 1993

Disc: Neologistic Pronouns

Editor for this issue: <>

Directory

1. , not-so-neologistic pronoun
2. , Re: 4.513 Neologistic Pronouns

To those familiar with Scandinavian languages past and present, Steven
Schaufele's use of "hann" and possessive "hanns" looks like an abrupt
modern extension of the Middle English habit of adopting Scandinavian
pronouns (the previously successful entrants being "they", "them", and
"their"), rather than a pure neologism. It also looks as if it means
"he", not "she" or "she/he". Presumably the idea behind all this will
be explained in due course.
Elise Morse-Gagne

Message 2: Re: 4.513 Neologistic Pronouns

Talking of pronouns, can some one fill me in on the gender-neutral HANN
(possessive HANNS) which some LINGUIST afficionados have taken to using.
Presumably this is of Scandinavian extraction, but is its use based on
a specific language or variety? Did it originate in the Mid-West via
substrate influence? Is it used by anyone other than linguists?

Perhaps the LSA should adopt it in the Guidelines for non-sexist usage.

Steve Matthews, U. of Hong Kong