The elimination of pronouns can, in some cases, result in repetition of the subject or object to an extent that the drafting can become awkward or convoluted in form and can also cause particular problems in regard to the use of reflexive verbs as it is impossible to have a reflexive verb without a reflexive pronoun, according to a statement on guidelines for the use of non-sexist language and plain English in the drafting of SA’s laws.
With bated breath, and prayerfully,
In shy, linguistic herds,
We pick our way most carefully
Through lurking traps of words,
For, if a pronoun goes amiss
Or on a sexist bender,
There’s little peace of mind or bliss
For gerrymandered gender.
We must avoid the masculine
Or treat it with reserve
And make it toe the language line.
It needs the strongest nerve
To use it in a statute book’
A toll must be exacted
So let it, from its verbal nook,
Be forcibly extracted.
But should you then encounter there,
The sly reflexive verb
Then we would warn you, have a care,
Your wilder instincts curb.
No careless phrase or sloppy terms,
For this is ill-advised
And helplessly the victim squirms
Who’s gender-neutralised.
So, in the name of charity,
Let language be saluted
While striving for more clarity
And form unconvoluted.
Beware reflexive verbs that lurk
And ponder how to greet one.
If confrontation you would shirk,
Just hope you never meet one!
Max Fatchen