German Cultural Council Opposes Ban on Gender-Inclusive Language
The German Cultural Council has voiced its opposition to a proposed ban on gender-inclusive language within the realms of arts, culture, and media. This statement comes amid ongoing national discussions concerning the use of linguistic forms such as the gender asterisk and the uppercase 'I' in official and public communication.
Recently, a senior government official responsible for cultural affairs has taken steps to prohibit gender-inclusive language in certain departments, urging other publicly funded institutions, including museums and broadcasters, to follow suit. The rationale behind this move is to standardize language use and avoid the implementation of gender markers in official documents and communications.
In response, the German Cultural Council, which serves as the umbrella organization for the country's federal cultural associations, emphasized the importance of upholding the constitutionally protected freedoms of the press and artistic expression. According to the Council, these freedoms ensure that language use in artistic and cultural contexts should remain free from governmental restrictions.
The Council further argued that linguistic diversity reflects and supports the broader cultural diversity present within society. Gender-inclusive language, they state, is one way to represent and address the varied identities and experiences of the population. The Council noted that generational differences in attitudes towards gendered language are not uncommon and can be observed throughout the history of language development. Disagreements over language conventions, the Council maintains, are indicative of healthy public debate and are a sign of a functioning democracy.
According to the Council, decisions regarding the use of gender-inclusive language should remain at the discretion of artists, cultural institutions, and media organizations. No institution or individual within these sectors should be compelled to adopt or reject gendered forms of expression, as this is a matter of creative and editorial independence.
The German Cultural Council is headquartered in Berlin and represents a broad coalition of organizations from across the cultural sector. Its latest resolution reinforces the view that linguistic choices within the arts and cultural fields should continue to be shaped by those who create and engage with culture, rather than by administrative mandates.
This development highlights the ongoing dialogue in Germany regarding language policy, social inclusion, and the balance between regulation and freedom of expression. As debates around gender-inclusive language continue, the positions taken by major cultural bodies such as the German Cultural Council are expected to play a significant role in shaping future policies and practices across the country's cultural landscape.