I know, I know. It’s complicated, and maybe impossible. A lot needs to change to make this easy, and I’m certainly in no position to revolutionize the French language.

I need to add French pronouns to my email signature. I don’t necessarily need to use them, but ideally I could explain to someone how to use them in a sentence.

“Iel” isn’t perfect, but it’s the most popular right now. That’s good enough for me.

I’m confused about the rest. Can anyone give me guidance on the most popular Iel equivalent of [il/le/lui] and [elle/la/elle]?

Is there a good website where I can see the pronouns in use, that isn’t a style guide about pronouns?

Thanks for stopping by :)

  • gaael
    7•10 months ago

    I have no source for you, just personal experience. In my small circles (irl and online) which are not statistically significant, we usually use :

    • “iel” for third person singular, used the same way as “they” in the singular form
    • “ellui” also used for the third person by someone who wanted the feminin “elle” to come first
    • “ol” is also used for the third person, mostly by people who want to get rid of the binary “il” and “elle” sounds of “iel”
    • “elleux” for the third person plural, used the same way as “they” in its usual sense

    Maybe this wikipedia page could be useful ?

    Just FYI: from my experience as a native French speaker and a French resident, these neopronouns have a hard time existing outside militant and lgbtqi+ circles. Our most popular media (which are right-wing/conservative) regularly paint them as a problem, an attack on the “mothertongue” etc. and I’ve faced violent reactions from people I gave my pronouns to.

    Kudos to you for including them in your signature !

    Edit: typos.

    • communication [they]OPEnglish
      3•10 months ago

      Thanks a ton for this, it’s really helpful! I’ve been conflicted because intellectually I like things like “ol” or “ul” more than “iel” for the reason you described, but I’m not strong enough in French to be a good advocate for them. “Iel” feels easiest, right now.

      Would “elleux” replace all uses of third-person plural, or only those including non-binary people?

      Regarding your FYI: Sorry you’ve dealt with that, it’s so frustrating!! It’s so hard to know what approach will help people understand, and I can see why a lot of people don’t bother. Thanks for working to make things better :)

      • gaael
        3•10 months ago

        Happy to help :)

        Iel clearly has the most tractiin, enough to get included in one french dictionary recently.

        “Elleux” does actually replace all uses of 3rd person plural.

        Thanks for your support :)