During this year's announcement of the AP Stylebook updates, the editors announced significant updates to the gender-neutral language entry, but they also noted that they hadn't included gender-neutral word for "fisherman," which led to a lively discussion in the accompanying chatroom and on Twitter.
Angler
Many people suggested the word “angler,” which appealed to me at first too, but then many other people pointed out that “angler” seems to describe someone using a pole to fish rather than professionals who go out in big boats and use nets or other gear like crab pots.
Fishfolk and Fisherfolk
“Fishfolk” and “fisherfolk” were two other common suggestions, and it seems as if “fisherfolk” may be in common use in Asia. Sara Rossi said that “Economic development agencies in Asia Pacific call people who fish for a living ‘fisherfolk,’” and Sophia Romero, who goes by Mighty Red Pen, said, “‘Fisherfolk’ was what we used when I worked for a nonprofit that supported projects that helped fisherfolk in Asia.” Also, if you do a Twitter search, you find a lot of people who seem to be in Asia using it. So “fisherfolk” is definitely an option.
People had funny comments about it too though.
A Twitter user with the handle @LaXtimaAbella said, “‘Fishfolk’ sounds like the working-class version of ‘merfolk.’ It’s like they’re the salt of the earth, but they’re actually the salt of the SEA!” and Brandon Bullard said, “‘Fishfolk’ has a Lovecraftian ring, like a more derogatory reference for someone who has the Innsmouth look” (which is something from an H.P. Lovecraft short story “Shadow over Innsmouth).
I’d be a little wary of using “fisherfolk” in North American English.
Fish Harvester
An alternative that Gina MacArthur says they use in Newfoundland is “fish harvester.”
Scallopers and Clammers
Getting back to all the “be specific” advice from the AP Stylebook, Rita Owens says she grew up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a great seaport, and they...
Keep reading on Quick and Dirty Tips
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar