“Aus dem akademischen Elfenbeinturm aufgezwungene Kackscheiße”

A study on das generische Maskulinum and gender-fair language in German

Abstract

This study examines the linguistic and social dynamics of online discourse on gender-fair language in Germany. Using thematic and sentiment analysis, 595 comments from Reddit’s r/de subreddit, discussing a Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) article, were analysed. The debate was polarised: 249 comments supported gender-fair language, 234 opposed it, and 70 were critical yet pro-inclusive. Neutral positions were rare (29 comments). Negative arguments were more specific, focusing on implementation issues, while positive ones showed broad, less critical support. Themes included humour, personal attacks, and references to socio-political contexts like Nazi-era policies and distrust of institutional authority. Criticism of the FAZ appeared in both supportive and opposing comments, highlighting shared scepticism towards the media source. Negative but pro-inclusive arguments addressed practical challenges, offering nuanced critiques distinct from outright rejection. The findings reveal how linguistic change is contested in public discourse, offering insights for fostering more inclusive communication in polarised debates.