Chinese University EFL Learners’ Perceptions of the GenderNeutral Singular “They” in English

This paper explores Chinese university EFL learners’ perceptions of the epicene pronoun singular they along with he or she, generic he, and feminine she. Moreover, the influences of antecedent types and social gender on the choice of epicene pronouns are investigated. A total of 802 participants were involved in the survey and the data collected from them was analyzed. The findings are as follows: first, Chinese university EFL students are aware of the rise of singular they as an epicene pronoun, but he or she is by them at present the most frequently used epicene pronoun, followed by they and he, with she used least frequently; second, the singular they is most likely to be antecedent to an indefinite pronoun or an NP with a qualifier; male-dominated occupations are more often paired with the generic he, while stereotypically female-dominated occupations are more likely to be associated with the feminine she. (150 words)