Summary
Inclusive writing : a debate that goes back a long way
The Larousse dictionary of the French language defines inclusive philippine whatsapp number writing , also called "epicene writing", as "the set of graphic and syntactic conventions aimed at promoting equality of representation between men and women in French grammar". It thus embodies the counterpoint to the formula so often repeated during our French classes. What if the masculine no longer had to prevail over the feminine?
The idea is not new. It dates back to the 1970s, during which the actions of feminist activists raised awareness of the lack of feminization that had taken hold among job titles. It is clear that the question is thought-provoking, since the Académie française ruled in 1984 in favor of using the feminine form when the context lent itself to it. However, the masculine form should continue to prevail in a neutral context. The objective seemed to be to want to satisfy the greatest number, without giving in to a "systematic feminization" of the French language.
The French Academy also cemented this position when, in 2017, it protested against the publication of a CE2 textbook written in inclusive writing .
Why is there such controversy around inclusive writing ?
While we often see inclusive writing take the form of a well-placed "(e)" or a juxtaposition of two forms (e.g.: "les clients et clients"), it is the midpoints that visibly generate the most reservations. Indeed, writing that we can "all" rejoice in this change in mentalities does not seem to convince those who fear that this practice will negatively impact readability and accessibility. The French Federation of DYS and the Handicap Association, for example, find that the midpoint can create confusion for beginner readers.
Furthermore, these spellings have no generally observed oral equivalent. When one tries to express oneself in an inclusive manner, the natural tendency remains to specify the two forms, in the manner of the usual "Ladies and Gentlemen". In writing, the midpoint does not have any fixed rules. Even the defenders of epicene writing admit that as it stands, it is more like a series of experiments, which results in a certain confusion. As for speech synthesis software, it is currently impossible for them to transcribe the midpoint.
And yet, the desire to write a more egalitarian French is felt in different areas. On the web, in particular, more and more sites are taking the plunge.
Inclusive writing on the web: should we use it or avoid it?
Writing for the web has its own codes. And while the Internet readily lends itself to more innovative writing practices than those prescribed by the Académie française, natural referencing reigns supreme. However, while gender-neutral writing has the merit of remedying the intrinsically sexist nature of our language, the confusion that some of its forms create also affects search engines.
Google's results, as we know, depend largely on keywords. Although it is now able to recognize the signs, we notice that the algorithm does not (yet) merge the results of inclusive queries with their "traditional" equivalent. And for good reason: the vast majority of Internet users do not have the reflex to carry out gender-neutral searches.