One of the underlying causes of ecological destruction is the separation between humans and other animals. When nonhuman animals are treated according to balance sheets rather than their own nature, the result can be not only a life of misery for the animals concerned, but environmental devastation. This research project looks at one area of language which both reflects and contributes to the gulf between humans and other animals: the pronouns who and which. Who, we are told by some but not all dictionaries and grammar books, refers exclusively to humans, which to nonhuman animals, plants and things. This project has begun by investigating the use of the pronouns who and which (and perhaps related topics later), starting with what dictionaries and grammar books prescribe and describe. Beyond this, the hope is that the project could contribute to efforts to bridge the gap between humans and other animals. The who/which issue has been raised by others, such as Jane Goodall and Joan Dunayer. George Jacobs, head of the Vegetarian Society (Singapore), suggested that the Centre initiate a project on the topic. The project has since become a collaborative endeavour involving researchers from various disciplines. Contributions, such as articles, comments and bits of language seen or heard, are always welcome, and will be published on this page as and when they appear. Eventually, all will be analysed and synthesised for publication and other forms of dissemination. For more information about the project, and a list of suggestions for carrying out research, see the first article below. 
