Twitter wants to promote “an inclusive language”.
The social network announced a new option on its Arabic version for people wishing to use feminized vocabulary instead of just standardized male words.
To accompany this announcement, the platform launched the hashtag #FeminineArabic ("Arabic for women").
The Arabic language distinguishes between feminine and masculine forms, which can modify the construction of words, such as imperative verbs.
For example, the options "tweet" or "explore" can now be displayed in the feminine.
Say hello to Arabic (Feminine), our new display language available now on https://t.co/77LYEyEEeb#FeminineArabicpic.twitter.com/fjbDpLW9AL
- Twitter Marketing MENA (@TwitterMktgMENA) June 15, 2021
"We know there is still work to be done"
"We are therefore introducing a new linguistic parameter which recognizes and takes better account of the feminine form of Arabic," Twitter announced in a statement.
"We are committed to using an inclusive language on Twitter, whether written, posted on our site and our applications, or integrated into our code," assured the social network.
Twitter posted a video showing tweets in Arabic and English from users criticizing the lack of female form on major social media platforms.
"We know that there is still work to be done so that our service reflects the diversity of voices in the world," Twitter acknowledged, promising "updates" based on customer reviews.
Twitter thus becomes the first social network to offer the Arabic language in the female form as an option.
In a region where the majority of political regimes tolerate virtually no form of criticism in the traditional media, young people in particular make heavy use of social media to oppose their government.
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Social networks
Inclusion
Twitter
Feminism
Language
Maghreb
Middle East
Vocabulary
Arab