Write a for and against essay in which you discuss the use of inclusive language.

Language is essential. Because of it, not only can we communicate with one another,
but also we are able to express ourselves and externalize all our desires and grievances. But
with it comes a few limitations, one of which is in relation to gender. In Spanish, language
makes a distinction between masculine and feminine gender, with the masculine being the
one used for neutral expressions. Many people consider this dichotomy of gender and the
usage of the inclusive masculine an important issue that needs to be changed. There is where
inclusive language appears as a solution to this problem. However, it divides society into two
groups with completely opposed opinions. Is this new usage of the language a solution or a
complication?
Not everyone is comfortable with change. Grammarians and linguists believe that
languages require a set of rules to be followed at all times. Specially in Spanish, it is difficult
to find an official guideline from an academic institution about the use of inclusive language.
The Royal Spanish Academy is yet to accept changes such as the addition of a new type of
gender. Thus, we are faced with many questions such as “when to use it?”, “with which
words?”, and the list goes on. Putting it into practice is not an easy task either. Adopting
inclusive language can create a difficulty as it involves many modifications to words that we
use daily. These convoluted modifications might also complicate children’s learning of our
already complex language, especially those who suffer from a disorder, such as dyslexia.
Those who are in favour, however, recognize the benefits that can arise from this
change in language. There is a spectrum of gender identities that is neither exclusively
feminine nor masculine, called non-binary. And the already prevailing gender dichotomy in
language creates a complicated problem for this community that does not identify with neither
of those genders. Feminism fulfils a crucial role in this debate, too. Most feminists favour the
use of inclusive language to eliminate the use of the masculine when referring to males and
females collectively. They believe that language is another way in which a male-centered,
patriarchal society is represented and that by using it, a gender hierarchy is reinforced. Both
of these groups support the use of a gender-neutral language to include all genders and to
put them all at the same level.
The use of inclusive language creates a raging debate in our society. It needs to be
perfected in many different aspects but its objective is absolutely clear. The recognition,
acceptance and inclusion of all genders is truly important not only in language but also in
everyday life. Being a rather new option, inclusive language may not be the ultimate solution
that is needed to reshape ideas that were imposed hundreds, if not thousands of years ago.
But it is surely headed in the right direction, the direction towards a less androcentric society
where all people can show and be proud of who they are.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Linguistic accuracy:
Range of vocabulary:
Coherence:
Appropriacy of register:
Introduction and conclusion: