Language is a defining characteristic of humans. We have discovered that other animals communicate but human language is exceedingly varied and complex. 

It is the foundation for thought and interpersonal interaction. Once the meanings of its symbols (words) and the pathways of their connections are fixed in the mind, meaningful thought becomes automatic and builds upon itself. When addressed to others who share it, language communicates ideas and emotions of unlimited complexity and power. It is no great stretch to say that this is what makes us fully human.

Generally, language is most useful when the meanings of its words are precise and those denoting thought, feeling and behavior are dependably used. The more exactly that Human A and Human B share these words and connections, the more perfect will be their communications and perhaps their interpersonal relations. We sometimes call the prescribed best definitions and verbal linkages “rules of grammar.” 

Some people think they are restrictive, but they are necessary when we have to say it or write it just right. Science, mathematics and aspects of philosophy demand this.

I was fortunate to have among my teachers some who directed me in learning the most precise grammar for the American version of the English language. Greatest of them was Georgia Wilkes Hilliard (Mrs. T.H.), whose petite stature did not match her demanding, authoritarian classroom manner. Sometimes it seemed that she pushed me to perform better even when I was doing well already. She did. She cared. 

In my first English grammar and composition class at the University of Georgia, I came to the final exam with a 99½ average and got an A+ for the course. Oh my, how much do I owe that woman!

Since the capacity for language is virtually unlimited, there are and have been many versions, depending upon time, place and people. Learning languages of various peoples improves our understanding of them and enlightens us. 

Deciphering ancient texts or symbols leads to insight into a people’s language and the people themselves.

There are linguistic variations of a single language inside of a country or society. Sometimes they create territorial barriers, as in the case of attorneys and physicians. There are regional variations. (Note: there is no Southern dialect. There are many in the South as elsewhere.) Teenagers adopt in-group “language” that sets them apart from parents, but the next batch drops that one and generates another.

To the extent that different “dialects” foster effective communication and interaction among members of a certain sub-culture, they are not “wrong.” However, people from these slices of the larger society need to know and use the “correct grammar” of that culture. The rules of that grammar ensure effective communication, lead to expansion of shared knowledge and promote social solidarity.

With lessons from Georgia Hilliard and long hours of work in the newsroom of the Red and Black at the University of Georgia stuck firmly in my brain, I cringe at sloppy writing. I often “bled red” from my pen all over responses to essay test questions and term papers during my 30 years of teaching at Georgia Southern. I still find it necessary to correct bad writing in newspaper and magazine articles. TV reporters and talking heads often strike a raw nerve.

I am bothered by the twisting of grammar in the service of gender equality. I do not believe that I am sexist. As a child, I noticed how difficult the lives of country women were, including my mother and all of our neighbors. My late wife was brilliant and competent in myriad ways. She earned her BA degree, dual majors, with honors and her M.Ed. In various jobs, she did excellent work for which her bosses were given credit and paid well while she was paid little. Wrong, so wrong! I tried to avoid that pattern with female faculty members and secretaries during my years as chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Look them up and ask them how well I did.

Obviously, I support gender equality. But grammar distortions adopted in that effort are unnecessarily wrong. Specifically, I refer to use of gender pronouns, you know I, you, he, she, it, we, you, they, his, hers, etc. Historically, he was used for specific reference. “John said that he was hungry.” It was also used for more general reference. Gender sensitive use seeks to avoid he. To paraphrase one seen recently, “John fell down and broke ‘their’ crown.” Accurate understanding requires clear delineation between singular and plural.

This manipulation is confusing. It is unnecessary. The solution is to add new words to replace those that are troubling. Neologisms enter our language constantly.

Examples include “dark hole” and “quark” in astronomy scores from computers and “cyberspace.” So, replace gender bothersome pronouns with unburdened words. What words? I do not care; I can learn them. Try ABC or EDG. Combine he and she into sehe, or his and her into hehie. Where the antecedent referent is clearly female or male, it is well to continue to use she/her and he/his. Smart people should be able to solve the puzzle without mangling the mother tongue.

Roger G. Branch Sr. is professor emeritus of sociology at Georgia Southern University and is a retired pastor.