It’s been contentious, and argumentative, and for à long time, among teachers and language purists who are divided between the correct usage of the pronoun, “who” and the adjective “that,” when referring to things, persons or other objects that can be found around our immediate environment. When we speak, or as you read this piece, the one-syllable words, “who,” “that” have become a common denominator, or consciously or unconsciously, have gained currency as we voiced out our thoughts in the communication process to make our point. From my research on applicable vocabularies, especially in the 21st century grammar, I have come across scholars, including some language experts, who favour the use of the adjective, “that” to refer strictly to things, such as furniture, stones, animals, among others, besides human beings.
While others fiercely contest that, the pronoun, “who” can only be engaged to identify man, woman, boy or girl; anything other than the “who,” to them, is unacceptable, and would amount to misuse or abuse of the rules of the game. Looking at the both sides of the arguments, the ultimate loser is the reader or listener who has no choice, but to jump on the bandwagon. For him or her, whatever information churned out by the media is as good as being religiously followed. Just as contentious as it may appear, some of the media outfits have to draw the line. Rather than waste precious time to join in the debate, whether the “who” and “that” clauses are used strictly to place the human person and things, they would find solace in adopting ‘their’ house, or office style.
That is that; the end of the matter, so to speak. Have it in mind that the language is odd and eccentric. Whenever we find ourselves in limbo, we opt out by abandoning words that sound or look confusing and rather go for the ones that can best express our feelings; speak and write convincingly, and be at peace. The pronoun, “who,” pronounced ‘hu,’ is generally used in question, indirect questions and statements, quoting Chambers 21st Century Dictionary. It can also apply to which or what person, which or what people. For example, “who is at the door post? According to the reference book, it can be used as a relative pronoun to introduce a defining clause. For instance, “the man who was on the motor bike.”
It could also be used as a relative pronoun to add a commenting clause; “Daniel Julius who was murdered in cold blood.” Are you familiar with the Yellow Pages, Who is Who? The pronoun, “who” is fitting here to know the important people around the world and what they do. The “who” pronoun is quite revealing in so many ways, so long as the language is concerned. But following the advice of the dictionary, Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, it is not clearly stated whether to use the pronoun, “who” precisely to relate to person or individual. It is silenced about it. It therefore, means that one can correctly write and point to the person or object, using the pronoun “who” or the adjective “that,” without breaking the law of engagement.
Similarly, the adjective “that,” pronounced ‘dat,’ with the plural form, “those,” ‘douz,’ as it is pronounced, indicates a person, thing or idea already mentioned, specified or understood, Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, explains. For instance, one can correctly speak or write; “That is the boy I was telling you about standing at the door.” It shows something or someone farther away, or used in contrasts; “Not this man but that one.” The “that” adjective, the language enthusiasts, maintain, can also be used as a conjunction to introduced a noun clause, or clause showing reason, purpose, consequence, or a result, or expressing wish or desire; “He walked so fast, that I couldn’t catch up with him.” “Oh! That the football match shouldn’t have ended in a draw!”
Again, the reference book did not indicate that, the “that” adjective is uncompromisingly used or directed at things, such as table, tools, animals, among other non-living things. Rather it refers to both the human person and inanimate objects. In other words, the two, “who” pronoun, and the adjective, “that” can apply in any of the situations. With this explanation, it appears the debate between the two schools of thought; those in favour of using only the “who” pronoun to address the human being, and the “that” adjective to point to things, is settled. Use both as you like it. Period!
