University of Pittsburgh issues non-sexist language guidelines – including term 'yinz'
Paul Guggenheimer | Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021 2:22 p.m.
What’s in a name?
Enough to lead people to be unintentionally dismissive and disrespectful of someone by misgendering them, according to the University of Pittsburgh.
But now, Pitt has published a gender-inclusive language guide that includes a set of “non-sexist language guidelines and resources” to help students and faculty avoid “unintentionally creating a sexist and homophobic classroom environment.”
In the guide, “yinz” is a suggested substitute for “ladies and gentlemen.”
The guidelines include advice such as “do not limit yourself to male examples or heterosexual examples. Teachers can and should honor the breadth of experience and potential in students’ lives by discussing women, gender non-conforming, and LGBT-identified people. For example, avoid giving examples that assume that all doctors are men.” ...
These terms have become an object of ridicule for some, including Texas U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.
“University of Pittsburgh has published a ‘gender inclusive’ language guide that advises students avoid ‘ladies and gentlemen,’” said Cruz on Twitter. “Instead, they suggest using words such as ‘colleagues, guests, all, yinz, friends, people, students, folks.
“Folks, these yinz are cray-cray.” ...
Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewHey, now, no one messes with "yinz" and lives to tell about it.
