Complete Schedule
Gender-Neutral Language in Chile: A Response Due to Absence of Representation
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Keywords
Spanish language--Social aspects--Chile; Spanish language--Variation--Chile; Language and culture--Chile; Discrimination in language;
Abstract
In Chile, to avoid the use of generic masculine forms in Spanish to address the diverse populations, three strategies have been implemented. These are: (a) paired forms (masculine and feminine), (b) neutral nouns (e.g., estudiantes instead of alumnos), or (c) the use of x, e or @ instead of the letters a or o (usual feminine and masculine markers), for example niñx, niñe, or niñ@. This research focuses on these solutions presented to create a gender-neutral language, being (a) and (b) suggested by the Chilean government and (c) a social response from non-binary gender and feminist groups in the country. This analysis focuses on policy guides, newspaper articles, opinion pieces, and press releases. Therefore, this research analyses how the government, and feminist and non-binary groups in Chile advocate for gender-neutral or gender-inclusive language by its written use in media. Since, language usage can be seen as a tool to shape more inclusive societies, gender equality, and social representation.
Start Date
3-4-2019 1:00 PM
End Date
3-4-2019 4:00 PM
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Elise DuBord
Department
Department of Languages and Literatures
Copyright
©2019 Claudia Pena Leuquen
File Format
application/pdf
Embargo Date
4-30-2019
Gender-Neutral Language in Chile: A Response Due to Absence of Representation
In Chile, to avoid the use of generic masculine forms in Spanish to address the diverse populations, three strategies have been implemented. These are: (a) paired forms (masculine and feminine), (b) neutral nouns (e.g., estudiantes instead of alumnos), or (c) the use of x, e or @ instead of the letters a or o (usual feminine and masculine markers), for example niñx, niñe, or niñ@. This research focuses on these solutions presented to create a gender-neutral language, being (a) and (b) suggested by the Chilean government and (c) a social response from non-binary gender and feminist groups in the country. This analysis focuses on policy guides, newspaper articles, opinion pieces, and press releases. Therefore, this research analyses how the government, and feminist and non-binary groups in Chile advocate for gender-neutral or gender-inclusive language by its written use in media. Since, language usage can be seen as a tool to shape more inclusive societies, gender equality, and social representation.
