Elle (Spanish pronoun)

The use of a neutral pronoun in Spanish has been demanded by non-binary and other gender-diverse individuals who do not feel comfortable using traditional masculine and feminine pronouns. Psychologists and activists have noted the importance of using appropriate pronouns as a basis for respecting the identity, visibility, and acceptance of non-binary or transgender individuals. The creation of a new, neutral pronoun is thought to be a way to address the current lack of suitable pronouns in the Spanish language for this community. Thus, pronouns like and were created. However, neither pronouns can be pronounced as they are written. This limitation creates difficulties for visually impaired individuals who rely on electronic communication systems that do not recognize these words, and individuals with learning disabilities like dyslexia. The use of "" as a gender neutral ending for nouns and adjectives in Spanish, replacing the feminine "" and masculine "", has been proposed since at least 1976. This option began to gain popularity several decades later as an alternative to "" and "", == Debate on its use ==

The use of is limited, being more frequently used within LGBTQ contexts, and particularly among younger individuals. However, its use has been a subject of debate among linguists and philologists. According to some studies, the inclusion of neutral pronouns in other languages has been connected with the reduction of sexist attitudes. Other experts note that would also facilitate a more accurate translation of terms from languages that do not have a gendered component, either because neutral pronouns are already in use (as in Swedish and English) or because one wishes to refrain from disclosing gender for other reasons. However, some linguists have expressed opposition to the creation of a new pronoun, arguing that it is unnecessary because gender neutrality in Spanish already exists in the form of the generic masculine. Despite the unofficial status of entries in the Observatory of Words, the inclusion of generated considerable discussion and confusion. Days later, the RAE decided to withdraw the word to avoid confusion regarding its official status in the language. In this regard, the institution stated: "Once the function and remit of this [Observatory of Words] section become widely known, this will be reassessed". Debate proposed by the North American Academy of the Spanish Language In 2018, an article in favor of inclusive language published by the EFE News Agency, as well as in Le Monde diplomatique edición Chile, sparked a wide-ranging debate via email among members of the North American Academy of the Spanish Language (ANLE), in a debate instigated by Tina Escaja. This led, in turn, to the ANLE commissioning its Center for Studies to produce a report on the status of inclusive language among Spanish speakers in North America and other countries. The work was carried out by researchers Tina Escaja and Natalia Prunes, who compiled a series of studies on inclusive language, including on the use of the pronoun , which was published by the ANLE in 2021. Escaja argued that it was necessary to question the dogmatic position expressed by the Royal Spanish Academy regarding inclusive language and that the intention in the selection of texts included was to "open up the dialogue and reflect on social reality, such that we might be able to put forward linguistic strategies that will help to fight against gender discrimination". The report specifically refers to on two occasions. In one instance, its use is incidentally noted by the Argentinian press (p. 141). The second mention is by Elena Castro, a linguist at Louisiana State University, who mentions the topic in an article titled "Google Translate does not 'understand': forging inclusion within exclusionary languages", where she writes: == See also ==