![]() ![]() Ou was first recorded in a native English dialect in the 16th century. Both the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and Wright's English Dialect Dictionary confirm the use of "a" in place of "he," "she," "it," "they," and even "I." It is a reduced form of the Old English pronoun, "he," meaning "he" and "heo" meaning "she." Some surviving British dialects still use this pronoun. Marshall documented the use of a, used by 14th century English writer, John of Trevisa. These pronouns do not strictly fit the definition of neopronouns, as they developed naturally in the language and, as far as we know, were not created by an individual with the goal of creating a gender-neutral pronoun. All of these pronouns have only been recorded in their nominative form. As far as linguists know, there are no other forms of these words (possessive, reflexive, etc), although more forms could easily be created if desired. ![]() Some regional dialects of English historically had or still have gender-neutral pronouns that were or are not used outside of their respective dialects. ![]()
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