An Analysis of the Use of Inclusive Language among Italian Non-Binary Individuals: A Survey Transcending Binary Thinking

This study investigates the use of gender-inclusive language among Italian
non-binary individuals. In English-speaking countries, the epicene pronoun
‘they’ and neo-pronouns such as ‘xe’ and ‘zim’ have been adopted by nonbinary
individuals and LGBTQA+ allies alike. In this debate, Romance
languages are a very interesting case, since they are inflectional languages
characterised by gender markers for all variable parts of speech. In Italy,
activists are trying to spread language awareness to dismantle gender
discrimination conveyed through language. Projects such as ‘Italiano
Inclusivo’, ‘Progetto Genderqueer’, and scholars such as Gheno (2019a,
2019b) are involved in the analysis and promotion of inclusive language,
while one of the most important research institutions, the Accademia della
Crusca (2020), refuses to accept any alternative. It is against this background
that this study analyses the state of the use of inclusive language among the
Italian non-binary community. Through a survey submitted to several Italian
LGBTQA+ online groups, the study investigates non-binary individuals’
preferred pronouns, their selection of suffixes when writing or speaking
about themselves or other non-binary individuals, how they refer to a group
of mixed binary and non-binary people, and further proposals of inclusive
forms. Gender-inclusive language is more than a matter of political
correctness. Understanding the mechanisms behind its use is important
because interpersonal communication contributes to gender stereotyping
and misgendering. Even if these results are not blanket truth, they can
contribute to the analysis of the connection between language, gender, and
society, to overcome social polarisations and promote acknowledgement and
respect.