Using the third-person singular pronoun they in academic writing: perspectives from English language teachers in Philippine universities

Abstract

In recent decades, gender-fair language (GFL) has drawn considerable attention in educational settings. The field of English language teaching (ELT) likewise has contributed to this development, with gender issues receiving significant focus. The current study adds to this evolving conversation by investigating ELT practitioners’ perspectives on using the third-person singular pronoun they in academic writing (AW). This area has received little attention in the literature on gender diversity in ELT, particularly in restrictive and conservative societies such as the Philippines. Using a survey with 64 English language teachers from Philippine universities, 15 of whom participated in follow-up email interviews, the study explores what these teachers think about using singular they in AW. The study likewise examines the ways these teachers include the use of singular they in their AW teaching practice. The findings demonstrate that the teachers have positive views on using singular they in AW and, in fact, find it necessary for promoting gender inclusivity and equality. However, some teachers also report their own traditional, conservative knowledge and beliefs, and possible resistance from stakeholders as challenges that need to be faced when integrating singular they in AW as a component of GFL practice.

ABSTRACT (FILIPINO)

Sa nakalipas na mga dekada, ang ‘gender-fair language’ (GFL) ay nakakuha ng malaking atensyon sa mga espasyo ng pagtuturo. Nakapag-ambag din sa debelopment nito ang larang ng pagtuturo ng wikang Ingles o English language teaching (ELT), kung saan karamihan ay nagtuon sa isyu ng kasarian. Ang kasalukuyang pag-aaral ay paglahok sa nabanggit na yumayabong na talastasan, sa pamamagitan ng pagsiyasat sa perspektiba ng mga praktisyoner ng ELT sa paggamit ng panghalip pang-isahan na nasa ikatlong panauhan na they sa akademikong pagsulat o ‘academic writing’ (AW). Batay sa mga literatura hinggil sa ‘gender diversity’ sa ELT, kakaunti pa ang nagsagawa ng pag-aaral sa erya na ito, partikular na sa mga mahihigpit at konserbatibong lipunan tulad ng Pilipinas. Sa pagsasagawa ng sarbey sa 64 na guro ng wikang Ingles mula sa mga unibersidad sa Pilipinas, kung saan 15 sa kanila ay lumahok sa follow-up na interbyu sa email, sinisiyasat ng pag-aaral kung ano ang pagtingin ng mga guro sa paggamit ng pang-isahang they sa AW. Sinusuri din sa pag-aaral ang pamamaraan ng mga guro sa kung paano isinasama sa pagtuturo ng AW ang paggamit ng pang-isahang they. Natuklasan sa pag-aaral na mayroong positibong pananaw ang mga guro sa paggamit ng pang-isahang they sa AW at, sa katunayan, nakita nila ang pangangailangan nito sa pagsusulong ng ‘gender inclusivity’ at ‘equality.’ Gayunman, ilan sa mga guro ay ibinahagi rin ang kanilang sariling tradisyonal, konserbatibong kaalaman at mga paniniwala, at ang posibilidad ng resistans mula sa mga stakeholder bilang hamon na kailangan harapin kapag isinama ang pang-isahang they sa AW bilang bahagi ng praktika ng GFL.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Gender-fair language (GFL) has sparked interest in schools during the last few decades, and issues concerning the use of GFL have been emphasized in English language teaching (ELT). This study investigates ELT teachers’ perspectives on utilizing the third-person singular pronoun they in academic writing (AW), an area in the literature that has received little attention, particularly in conservative countries such as the Philippines. The current study looks specifically at what these teachers believe about using singular they in AW and how they incorporate it into their AW teaching practice. The findings indicate that the teachers favor the use of singular they in AW to promote gender equality and inclusivity. When introducing singular they in AW as part of GFL practice, however, some teachers identify their own conservative knowledge and values, as well as stakeholder resistance, as barriers.

Keywords:

• English language teaching
• gender education
• gender-fair language
• gender and development

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Open Scholarship

This article has earned the Center for Open Science badges for Open Materials The materials are openly accessible at https://www.iris-database.org/details/qa1EN-ecrHv