2022届高三英语培优外刊阅读学案：变迁的英语话题.docx

高三英语培优外刊阅读 班级：____________学号：____________姓名：____________ 外刊精选｜变迁的英语：韦氏词典增加“they”的单数用法 每个英语学习者都熟悉“they”的用法。不过最近， 美 国权威的韦氏词典决定重新定义“they”：除了可以指代复数的“他/她/它们”，还可以指代单数的、性别是非二元的人，也就是不把自己性别归入男性或女性的个人。这是社会观念变化影响语言的又一个案例。“They”的用法有哪些学问？如何看待韦氏词典的这次改变？ “They” updates its status as singular Merriam-Webster, America’s oldest dictionary publisher, has ratified the usage of “they” as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun, when it accepted as many as 533 words in the latest update. The change comes as this usage grows in popularity, especially among people who identify with a nonbinary gender. The singular “they” has existed since the late 14th century. The Oxford English Dictionary traces the usage back to William and the Werewolf, a medieval romance published in 1375. But in the 18th century, grammarians rallied against the usage of singular “they”, claiming a plural pronoun can’t take a singular antecedent. The language police had conveniently forgotten the fact that “you” used to be a plural pronoun before it became “singular”. The modern usage of singular “they” as a nonbinary pronoun has also met with firm resistance from various quarters. Grammar Nazis taking issue with it often cite the absence of a legit dictionary definition. Most critics oppose the idea of gender as a social construct and dismiss the singular usage of “they” as feminist propaganda. British singer Sam Smith acted upon Merriam-Webster’s decision by announcing that their gender pronouns are “they/them”. Yes, the times they are a-changin'. 【词汇过关】 请写出下面文单词在文章中的中文意思。 1.ratify [ˈrætɪfaɪ] vt. ________________________ 2.nonbinary [nɔnˈbaɪnəri]adj. ________________________ 3.grammarian [ɡrəˈme(ə)riən]n. ________________________ 4.conveniently [kənˈviːniəntli]adv.________________________ 5.legit [lɪ'dʒɪt]adj. ____________________