Why do some languages use gendered nouns? It seems to just add more complexity for no benefit.

  • damnthefilibuster@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    9 months ago

    Quick Question (to OP and beyond) - the English language has wording for the gender of a person who acts - actor/actress.

    Yet, these days, most people in the movie or theatre industry call themselves “actors”. They’ve dropped the word “actress”.

    Do we know why?

    • livus@kbin.social
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      6
      ·
      edit-2
      9 months ago
      • part of a wider trend eg “waitstaff” or “server” instead of “waiter”/“waitress”

      • due to traditional heirarchies, most job descriptions ending in -ess (or worse, starlet instead of star) are a devalued or less respected title

      • easier to just have one plural