Understanding the Evolution of the Pronoun 'They' in Old English

Explore how the pronoun 'they' evolved from gender-specific forms in Old English to a modern gender-neutral usage.

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In Old English, the pronoun 'they' did not exist. Instead, the language used gender-specific pronouns like 'hē' (he), 'hēo' (she), and 'hīe' (they, plural). The modern gender-neutral 'they' was later borrowed from Old Norse during the Viking Age, replacing the older forms in Middle English.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What were the pronouns used in Old English? In Old English, gender-specific pronouns were used such as 'hē' for 'he', 'hēo' for 'she', and 'hīe' for the plural 'they'.
  2. When did the gender-neutral pronoun 'they' become popular? The modern gender-neutral pronoun 'they' was borrowed from Old Norse during the Viking Age and became more widely used in Middle English.
  3. How did Old English influence modern English pronouns? Old English used gender-specific pronouns, but the influence of Old Norse introduced the gender-neutral 'they', leading to a shift in pronoun usage in modern English.
  4. Why is 'they' considered gender-neutral in modern English? 'They' is considered gender-neutral in modern English as it allows speakers to refer to individuals without specifying a gender, making it inclusive.