User talk:AbubakarB

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TNIV
Asalam mualekhem

It is actually Americans and Canadians that most commonly refuse to use "singular" they. In the UK and Australia (where I live) "singular" they is much more popular. At least, that's what the studies tell me, and I've seen evidence of it even here at Wiki, but also in published works.

Regarding the TNIV, I was copy-editing, I wasn't providing my own views. I have read a great deal on gender neutral language and the Bible. I oppose it, but my opinion and my reasons are not relevant. Would you propose the only people who should be allowed to edit are those who are in favour of GN language in Bible translation? At Wiki (and in real life) most people are quite good at articulating various points of view and selecting one for themselves, or keeping out of it. What's important is that we don't silence any point of view here, and that we express POV from published sources, not off the top of our own head.

As for being a preacher and many people liking "singular" they. Preaching is neither about getting people to like you, nor has it got anything to do with "singular" they, at least in my opinion it doesn't. There are many different kinds of preacher. I don't preach at Wiki, so no one knows exactly what kind of preacher I am. The five sola-s explains the important side of my preaching though.

I like people whether they agree with me or not. There are some things I don't like in certain people, but I prefer not to think or talk about those much, unless I'm preaching so I can talk about forgiveness at the same time. ;)

Anyway, thanks for having a friendly go at me. Stay long at Wiki! Read books about things that interest you and tell us what they say and where they say it. There's endless room for any published opinions and documented facts at Wiki. Have fun.

Al hamd l'Allah Alastair Haines (talk) 07:54, 10 August 2008 (UTC)


 * I'm not much interested in the TNIV article. You go ahead and do what you like. I recommend you read my comments again some time and think about replacing text describing the critics' arguments in your own words. As it stands, your edit makes nonsense of one side of the argument. At the moment it looks like AbubakarB thinks two quotes from the TNIV constitute a coherent description of the view of the critics of the TNIV.
 * Drop a note on my talk page with a clear description of the critic's views some time. It's not clear to me you've actually read any of them. The ambiguity of the "singular" they is only a minor stylistic point. Wiki, and critics of the critics, need the best arguments not the trivial ones.
 * Shukran Alastair Haines (talk) 08:37, 10 August 2008 (UTC)


 * Sorry, can't help you atm. I normally enjoy a chat, but I've just got too many other things going on. Good luck with writing up a nice, new, strong criticism section. You're absolutely right, the current one is very weak, and hardly reflects the critics at all. It was in the newspapers at the time. Happy researching. :) Alastair Haines (talk) 08:52, 10 August 2008 (UTC)