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full screen Greenlandic should get more inclusive words. Archive image. Photo: Michael Buholzer/AP/TT
The Greenlandic language currently lacks words for those who identify as non-binary or change gender. That will change, reports DR.
The Greenlandic equivalent of RFSL, Sipineq+, has translated 136 words that the Greenland Language Council must decide on. In addition, the words must be listed in a special dictionary for schools.
– We hope that with the new words we can create a common understanding of what it means to be non-binary, says Qillaq Olsen, president of Sipineq+, who sees an advantage in the Greenlandic culture and in the fact that his language lacks gender regulations such as “she” and “he.
– Inuit believed that people could change gender and choose what they wanted to be, says Olsen.
If the language council approves the glosses, they become legally binding and a word like suiaassussit marluinnaannginneq (non-binary) must be used by authorities and courts.