Gender neutral proper names: current situation and perspectives Cover Image

Genderově neutrální jména: současný stav a perspektivy
Gender neutral proper names: current situation and perspectives

Author(s): Jana Valdrová
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Gender Studies
Published by: AV ČR - Akademie věd České republiky - Sociologický ústav
Keywords: onomastics; genderonomastics; proper name; gender-neutral name; unisex name; genderonym; Czech language; trans people

Summary/Abstract: Personal proper names are part of a community’s language inventory. To a large extent, they verbalise gender stereotypes, expectations and norms, power relations, political circumstances, and how minorities are treated. In my paper I analyse the current socio-onomastic representation of gender-neutral names in the context of naming practices in the Czech Republic. More specifically, I examine what factors might explain the decreased use of these names, which, paradoxically, differ from other names in that they have an extended functionality. From a linguistic and legal perspective I inquire into how Czech naming practices stigmatise the sexual otherness of non-binary people and trans people in Czech society. In the conclusion I set out the conditions that must be met for gender-neutral names to be freely available to the entire population.

  • Issue Year: 23/2022
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 21-39
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Czech