“Cyclista*ki”, “client*ki” – such appeals in Germany are becoming more common. Gender-neutral language is used not only in government agencies, universities and businesses, but also in the media. In particular, this form of addressing is actively used by journalists from the main German television and radio companies ARD and ZDF – linguists have drawn attention to this.

About 90 philologists signed an appeal to broadcasters to abandon gender neutrality, believing that gender-neutral language has no place in the media, Bild reported. Among those who supported the call were members of the German Spelling Council, the German Language Society, the German “PEN Center”, which brings together professional writers and linguists of individual renown, for example, grammar expert Professor Gisela Zifonun, Professor Martin Nef (Martin Neef) from Braunschweig University of Technology and Dr. Olaf Krause (Olaf Krause) is a member of the German Spelling Board.

The initiator of the letter was the Germanist Fabian Payr. According to the scientist, TV channels must take into account linguistic norms. In ARD and ZDF discussions, he points out, individual gender-neutrals are always given the opportunity to express their desired opinion. The coverage of this theme, according to the Germanist, is “often biased” and serves, to a large extent, to legitimize the position itself. Critics are often portrayed as reactionaries, misogynists, and members of society incapable of being flexible.

Most media consumers prefer established language

Experts explain that the use of the language by public broadcasters is “a standard for millions of viewers, listeners and readers”. Therefore, the media have the obligation to orient themselves in texts and formulations to the current linguistic norms and to treat such cultural heritage as a language “according to the rules, with responsibility and without ideology”.

The authors warn that “the use of gender-neutral language causes significant social dissent and divides society.” The appeal states that, according to surveys, more than three-quarters of media consumers prefer established and normal use of the language, while broadcasters should not ignore the majority position.

Scholars also make linguistic arguments, pointing out that in German there is a difference between grammatical gender and biological gender. So, for example, the word die Pessoa (in translation – “man” or “person”) is not automatically a feminine word, although it has the corresponding article.

Scientists warn against ‘sexualization of language’

The authors of the appeal call gender-neutral language “artificial language.” However, there are also supporters of this form of address among linguists. “They cannot speak for all of science, but they are politically active and therefore their position is stronger. We want to oppose them to show that there is no consensus in linguistics on the issue of gender neutrality, although sometimes there is is such a big impression”, explains Fabian Peyre.

Furthermore, the authors of the appeal express concern that the use of gender-neutral language could lead to the “sexualization of language”, i.e. a constant focus on gender differences. They cite the “drivers and drivers” appeal as an example. Thus, according to experts, the most important objective of gender equality is denied.

After all, by using gender-neutral language, German broadcasters are not adhering to current approved spelling standards, experts say. In March 2021, the German Spelling Board clearly indicated that characters used for gender-neutral references – an asterisk, colon, or an underscore – do not meet accepted standards, as such wording affects clarity, unequivocal and legal correction of the concepts and texts in general.

This non-compliance “is not in line with the educational objectives set out in the state media treaty” (Medienstaatsvertrag). Furthermore, it contradicts political neutrality, which, according to this document, broadcasters, whose activities are paid for by subscribers, are obliged to observe, philologists point out.

What the broadcasters say

ARD, in response to a request from Bild, said the topic is “discussed and handled in completely different ways” by broadcasters, so the use of gender-neutral language is permitted. ZDF also said that the presenters themselves decide on this.

Recently, regional broadcaster Bayerische Rundfunk got into a curious situation for this reason during the gender diversity program “Diversity Talk 2022”. When interviewed, school classes were reluctant to maintain gender neutrality – much to the annoyance of the moderator.

“The use of gender-neutral formulations will not be established against the will of the majority”, says the Germanist Fabian Peir. “Opposition is growing – people are increasingly fighting this instructive language. And the voices of scientists who oppose neutrality” are getting louder.