Majority opposes the use of gender-specific terminology
In the run-up to Germany's federal election, the debate about gender-neutral language has taken centre stage, with prominent political figures expressing their views on the matter.
Sahra Wagenknecht, the leading candidate of the Left party in North Rhine-Westphalia, has rejected the need for gender-neutral language, stating that it is not about making men and women equally visible but about depicting a tiny minority of people with a self-defined third gender. Her comments, made to the "Welt am Sonntag", may be seen as controversial given the ongoing debate about gender-neutral language in Germany.
Wagenknecht's stance on the issue may impact the political stance of her party on the matter. However, her comments may also be seen as an attempt to appeal to a conservative segment of the electorate.
On the other hand, Federal Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) believes that half of the population should feel considered when only the male form is used. She emphasizes the importance of gender-inclusive language because using only the masculine gender does not appropriately consider half of the population, highlighting the need for language that reflects diversity and equal representation.
A survey by Infratest for the "Welt am Sonntag" reveals that 65% of the German population do not support a stronger consideration of different genders in language. Among supporters of all other parties, criticism prevails, with the Green Party showing the most divided opinion, with 48% opposing gender-neutral language and 47% supporting it.
The rejection of gender-neutral language includes formulations like "listeners" instead of "listener", the use of the big inner-I ("voters") in written language, and a pause before the second half of the word ("commuters") in spoken language.
Wolfgang Kubicki, Bundestag Vice President (FDP), believes that language changes over time in a societal-cultural process, not through elitist moral coercion. He did not comment directly on Wagenknecht's comments but emphasized the importance of language reflecting societal evolution.
Katrin Göring-Eckardt, the parliamentary group leader of the Greens in the Bundestag, stated that using only the male form paints a picture of a world where women or non-binary people do not exist. Her comments echo those of Christine Lambrecht, who emphasized the need for language that reflects diversity and equal representation.
A ban on gender-neutral language in public institutions is "rather rejected" by 51% of Germans and "rather welcomed" by 36%. Among women, rejection increased from 52% to 59%. This suggests that while the debate about gender-neutral language continues, the majority of Germans are opposed to a ban on such language.
Wagenknecht's comments may be interpreted as a rejection of the move towards greater inclusivity in language. However, she stated that the majority of society is ready to accept this minority but feels that their real problems are no longer seen and there is a huge imbalance. It remains to be seen how this debate will shape the political landscape in Germany in the coming months.
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