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Introduction to "theirselves"
Language is a living, evolving entity that reflects societal changes, cultural shifts, and linguistic innovation. Among the many aspects of language that demonstrate this evolution are pronouns—words that stand in for nouns and help us communicate more efficiently and personally. One such pronoun that has garnered attention, debate, and discussion is "theirselves."
While traditional English usage has steadfastly adhered to "themselves" as the reflexive pronoun for the third person plural and singular they, "theirselves" has emerged in certain communities and contexts as an alternative or nonstandard form. This article aims to explore the origins, usage, grammatical considerations, societal perceptions, and debates surrounding "theirselves," providing a comprehensive understanding of this intriguing linguistic phenomenon.
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Historical Background and Origins of "theirselves"
Standard Reflexive Pronouns in English
Historically, English has utilized a set of reflexive pronouns—myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves—to indicate that the subject and the object of a sentence are the same entity or entities. These pronouns are considered standard and are firmly established within the grammatical rules of English.
Emergence of "theirselves"
The form "theirselves" is not recognized in traditional grammar and is largely considered nonstandard or dialectal. Its emergence can be traced to several factors:
- Pluralization of "their": Since "their" is used as a possessive adjective, some speakers and writers have attempted to create a reflexive form by adding "-selves," resulting in "theirselves."
- Influence of Spoken Dialects: In some dialects and sociolects, especially in certain regions or communities, "theirselves" has been used colloquially, possibly as a way to emphasize or clarify reflexivity in speech.
- Language Innovation and Identity: Some individuals or groups adopt "theirselves" as part of linguistic identity, gender expression, or community dialect.
While "theirselves" does not have a long-standing historical presence in formal English, it illustrates how language users sometimes create or adapt forms to fit their communicative needs.
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Usage of "theirselves": Formal, Informal, and Dialectal Contexts
Standard English Usage
In formal writing, speech, and educational contexts, "theirselves" is generally considered incorrect or nonstandard. The proper reflexive pronoun for third person plural or singular "they" is "themselves." For example:
- Correct: They hurt themselves during the game.
- Incorrect: They hurt theirselves during the game.
Colloquial and Dialectal Usage
In some dialects, especially in certain varieties of American English, African American Vernacular English (AAVE), or regional speech patterns, "theirselves" appears as a variant of "themselves." Speakers may use it to emphasize reflexivity or as a habitual form, such as:
- They fixed theirselves up real nice.
This usage is often accepted within the community or dialect but is typically discouraged in formal contexts.
Emerging and Alternative Usage
Some language enthusiasts, writers, or social groups may intentionally use "theirselves" to challenge standard norms, explore gender-neutral or inclusive language, or create a sense of linguistic identity.
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Grammatical Analysis of "theirselves"
Standard Reflexive Pronouns
The grammatical rules for reflexive pronouns are well-established:
- Usage: When the subject and the object are the same entity.
- Number and Person Agreement: "Myself" (first person singular), "yourself" (second person singular), "himself," "herself," "itself," "ourselves," "yourselves," "themselves" (third person plural or singular "they").
Why "theirselves" Deviates from Standard Grammar
"theirselves" attempts to fill the reflexive gap for "their," which is primarily a possessive adjective or pronoun in standard English. Since "their" can refer to multiple entities or an individual, the reflexive form is "themselves."
- Lack of Standardization: "Theirselves" does not conform to the grammatical rule of forming reflexives by adding "-self" to personal pronouns.
- Morphological Inconsistency: The addition of "-selves" to "their" is irregular because "their" is not a personal pronoun but a possessive determiner, making "theirselves" morphologically inconsistent.
Language Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism
Prescriptivists—those who uphold strict grammatical standards—view "theirselves" as incorrect and nonstandard. Descriptivists, however, observe its usage in speech and informal contexts, acknowledging it as part of linguistic variation.
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Societal and Cultural Perceptions of "theirselves"
Attitudes in Formal and Academic Settings
In academic, professional, and formal writing, "theirselves" is almost universally regarded as incorrect. Using it in such contexts can lead to perceptions of poor language skills or lack of education.
Use in Popular Culture and Media
Some authors, musicians, and social media personalities use "theirselves" intentionally for stylistic, humorous, or expressive purposes. It can serve as a marker of identity, regional dialect, or cultural authenticity.
Controversies and Debates
The use of "theirselves" sparks ongoing debates:
- Is "theirselves" a legitimate linguistic evolution or a grammatical error?
- Should nonstandard forms be accepted in informal communication?
- Does the use of "theirselves" reflect linguistic creativity or a decline in language standards?
Many linguists argue that language change is natural and that forms like "theirselves" exemplify how language adapts to social and cultural needs.
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Linguistic Perspectives on "theirselves"
Descriptive Linguistics
Descriptive linguists observe that "theirselves" exists in speech and informal writing, recognizing it as part of linguistic variation. They argue that language is fluid, and such forms reflect speakers' identities and communicative practices.
Prescriptive Linguistics
Prescriptive linguists emphasize adherence to established grammatical rules, viewing "theirselves" as incorrect and potentially confusing or distracting in communication.
Sociolinguistic Implications
The use or rejection of "theirselves" can serve as a social marker, indicating regional, social, or cultural identity. It can also reflect attitudes toward standardization and linguistic prescriptivism.
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Implications for Language Learners and Educators
Teaching Standard English
For language learners, understanding the correct usage of reflexive pronouns is essential. Educators should emphasize:
- The correct form: "themselves".
- The contexts where "theirselves" might appear informally but should be avoided in formal writing.
Encouraging Linguistic Diversity
While promoting standard language skills, educators should also acknowledge linguistic diversity and the reasons behind nonstandard forms like "theirselves" in social contexts.
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Practical Advice for Writers and Speakers
- In Formal Writing: Always use "themselves" as the reflexive pronoun for "they."
- In Informal Contexts: Recognize that "theirselves" may be acceptable within certain dialects or communities but be cautious about using it in formal or professional settings.
- Creative and Stylistic Uses: Writers may employ "theirselves" intentionally for stylistic effect, humor, or character voice.
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Conclusion: The Future of "theirselves"
Language continues to evolve, and forms like "theirselves" exemplify the dynamic nature of linguistic change. While it remains nonstandard and often discouraged in formal contexts, its usage in colloquial speech and cultural expressions highlights the diversity and adaptability of language.
Understanding the origins, usage, and perceptions of "theirselves" allows us to appreciate the complexities of language change and the importance of context. Whether viewed as a linguistic anomaly or a marker of cultural identity, "theirselves" underscores the fact that language is ultimately shaped by its speakers, reflecting who they are, where they come from, and how they choose to communicate.
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In summary, "theirselves" is a fascinating example of linguistic innovation and variation. While it challenges traditional grammar rules, its existence tells us much about social identity, dialectal diversity, and the ongoing evolution of English. Recognizing its place in language helps us appreciate the richness and fluidity of human communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'theirselves' considered correct English usage?
No, 'theirselves' is generally considered nonstandard. The correct reflexive pronoun is 'themselves'.
When should I use 'themselves' instead of 'theirselves'?
Use 'themselves' when referring back to 'they' or 'their' in a reflexive sense, as 'theirselves' is not accepted in standard English.
Are there any dialects or contexts where 'theirselves' is used?
In some dialects or informal speech, people might use 'theirselves', but it is considered nonstandard and should be avoided in formal writing.
Can 'theirselves' be used for emphasis?
No, for emphasis, it's better to use 'themselves'. 'Theirselves' is not recognized in standard grammar and can be confusing.
What is the origin of the word 'theirselves'?
'Theirselves' is a nonstandard formation that likely arises from confusion with 'themselves' and regional dialects, but it is not recognized in standard English.
How can I correct sentences that use 'theirselves'?
Replace 'theirselves' with 'themselves' to ensure your sentence aligns with standard English grammar.
Is 'theirselves' ever used in literature or media?
While it may appear in dialectal speech or informal writing, 'theirselves' is rarely used in formal literature and is generally avoided.
What are common mistakes related to reflexive pronouns like 'theirselves'?
A common mistake is using nonstandard forms like 'theirselves' instead of the correct 'themselves'. Always use 'themselves' for correct reflexive reference.
