Who knows what he would think Dante Alighieri, the Supreme Poet, the father of the Italian language of the disputes that arose in recent years on the use or not of masculine words declined to feminine. Who knows if he would agree with the use of minister, mayor, director in the sign of that politically correct, to which many are now getting used to. It is legitimate to ask yourself because in recent months, speaking of inclusive language, it is becoming commonplace, at least in writing, the use of the schwa "ə" in place of the masculine ending to define a mixed group of people. Now that society has to adapt to changing times it is right. But that the language must also be adapted is somewhat perplexing. For this there are those in favor and against the use of the schwa. Should Italian be a more inclusive language and less linked to the predominance of the male gender?
What is schwa and where does its use come from
In the meantime, let's ask ourselves what this symbol is. Schwa is found in the international phonetic alphabet. Many linguists and scholars know him well. In fact, the international phonetic alphabet is the system that allows the correct pronunciation of the thousands of written languages that exist. Its use, therefore, would be understandable to everyone for a more inclusive language: graphically, some suggest, it resembles an intermediate form between an "a" and an "o", frequently used for the female gender and for the male one. Other solutions would be to use an x, or even an asterisk.
Nothing to complain about this, absolutely. But let's imagine we have to write a letter to someone, or give a public speech. In order not to offend anyone or arouse perplexity, we would be forced to write Good morning to all, or to all, to all, or lastly to all. Is in the spoken language? How to pronounce the right vowel? Already in many television broadcasts there are those who try to adapt to this new inclination. In the embarrassment, it must be said, of those who do not know what pronunciation to give to the schwa.
Technology also adapts, the use of the symbol "Ə"In smartphones
Meanwhile, technology also makes progress. In fact in recent days the new Android system has adapted. Those who own an iPhone can easily choose to use the ə symbol by writing a message, if they deem it more respectful towards their interlocutor. But what to do in official Italian, in school Italian? Can it be assumed that even the little ones who start reading and writing learn a more inclusive language? Maybe? The great scholars of the Italian language have not yet expressed themselves. And who knows if they will. Nor do we want a clear position to be taken. We limit ourselves to telling what happens in Italy, for us who love to defend so much the Italian spirit.
And then it seems right to bring back here the words of the administration of a Municipality in the province of Modena Castelfranco Emilia, among the first, on social networks, to use this new symbol. "Respect and appreciation of differences are fundamental principles of our community and the language we use on a daily basis should reflect these principles. That is why we have decided to adopt a more inclusive language: in the universal masculine we will replace the schwa, a neutral ending. This does not mean distorting our language or our habits, it means doing an exercise of care and attention towards all people, so that they feel equally represented. It is an important step towards one of our goals: an inclusive, fair and cohesive society and community!"
So the choice is yours.
