Chronicle Editor
Take note of the following: gender (references to males and females). We are told that English does not have many problems of grammatical gender. Usual people are he or she and things are it. Having said this note the following points: animals, cars, ships and countries. People sometimes call animals he or she especially when they are thought of as having personality, intelligence or feelings. This is common with pets and domestic animals like cats, dogs and horses.
Once upon a time there was a rabbit called Kalulu. He lived . . . Go and find the cat and put her out. He is sometimes used in cases where the sex of an animal is not known. Look at that little puppy mate. Isn’t he cute? Some people use she for cars, motorbikes; sailors often use she for boats and ships (but most other people use it). How’s your new car? “Terrific. She is running beautifully.” The ship has struck a rock. She’s sinking.
We can use she for countries but it is more common in modern English. Zimbabwe has decided to increase its trade with Egypt. (Or . . . her trade . . .). He or she. Traditionally, English has used he in cases where the sex of a person is not known or in references that can apply to either men or women especially in a formal style. If ever I find the person who stole my book, I will punish him. If a student is ill, he must send his medical certificate to the College Office. A doctor can’t do a good job if he doesn’t like people.
Unisex: We often use they to mean “he or she” especially after indefinite words like somebody, anybody, nobody; person. If anybody wants my position, they can have it. There is somebody at the door. “Tell them I’m out.” When a person gets married, they have to start thinking about their responsibilities.
Actor and actress: A few jobs and positions have different words for men and women. Examples under man and woman respectively: actor- actress, bridegroom a –bride, duke –duchess, hero –heroine, host –hostess, monk –nun, policeman –policewoman, prince – princess, waiter – waitress, widower – widow. A mayor can be a man or a woman: In other countries a mayoress is the wife of a male mayor.
Some words ending in –ess (for example: authoress, poetess) have gone out of use. (Author and poet are now used for both men and women. Steward and stewardess are being replaced by other terms such as flight attendant.
Words ending in –man: Some words ending in –man do not have a common feminine equivalent e.g. chairman, fireman, spokesman. As many dislike being called, chairman or spokesman these words are now often avoided in references to women or in general references to people if either sex. In many cases – person is now used instead of – man. Zinhle has been elected chairperson (or chair) of our committee. A spokesperson said the chairperson does not intend to step down.
In some cases, new words ending in – woman, for example, spokeswoman, are coming into use. But there is also a move to choose words, even for men, which are not gender marked. For example: supervisor instead of foreman, ambulance staff instead of ambulance men, firefighter instead of fireman.
Understand contractions: Forms like I’ve, don’t are called contractions. There are two types: (noun/pronoun/etc. + (auxiliary) verb. Examples: I’m tired. Do you know when you’ll arrive? I’ve no idea. She’d like to talk to you. Here’s your bus. My father’s not very well. Where’s the station? Somebody’s coming. (Auxiliary) verb + not – They aren’t ready. You won’t be late, will you? I haven/t seen him for ages. Can’t you swim?
Reflexive pronouns (myself/yourself): The reflexive pronouns are: Singular: myself, yourself, himself/ herself (one person). Plural: ourselves – yourselves (more than one person), themselves. You use a reflexive pronoun when the subject and object are the same. Maweni cut himself while he was shaving. (not “Maweni cut him”). I don’t want you to pay for me. I’ll pay for myself. The old lady sat in a corner talking to herself. Don’t get angry. Control yourself! (to one person). The party was great. We enjoyed ourselves.
But we do not use “myself” after bring/take something with… He went out and took an umbrella with him, (not with himself). We do not use myself after feel/relax/concentrate: I feel great after having a swim. (not I feel myself great). We must try and concentrate. It’s great to relax. We do not normally use ‘myself’ after wash/dress/shave. I got up, shaved, washed, and dressed. (not shaved myself). But we say: I dressed myself.
Note how use meet. – What time shall we meet (not meet ourselves. meet us). Study the difference between –selves and each other: Ben and Robin stood in front of the mirror and looked at themselves. (= Ben and Robin looked at Ben and Robin), but Ben looked at Robin and Robin looked at Ben. They looked at each other.
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Sidumisile Mabena