Why do some languages use gendered nouns? It seems to just add more complexity for no benefit.

  • vlad@lemmy.sdf.org
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    9
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    4 months ago

    I think this is it. In Russian everything is gendered. A table is male and a plate is female. But the rule is simple. Any noun anding in a constant is a male, vowels are female except for nounds ending in “o” and “eh” (Э), those are “it”. But there doesn’t appear to be meaning behind which item is assigned which gender.

    • Rai@lemmy.dbzer0.com
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      8
      ·
      4 months ago

      Interesting. I like that rule more than German’s “Whatever gender it FELT like to whoever decided”