Nuevas conceptualizaciones de género en el español de la argentina: un análisis cognitivo-prototípico

Abstract

In the present paper we will reflect on different manifestations of GENDER in the Spanish language from the qualitative and quantitative analysis of a digital corpus. We propose the hypothesis that the forms x, @ and e constitute morphemes whose meaning is that of inclusive gender. In relation with the first hypothesis, we also propose that the gender category is gradual, and develops in a continuum that reflects the generic spectrum, beyond the masculine / feminine dichotomy.

Our analysis is based on a grammatical approach that allows us to analyze these forms as opposed to other approaches whose basic principles prevent it.

The Prototypical Cognitive Approach (Lakoff 1987 & Langacker 2000) argues that grammar is a system of usage trends that reflects a society’s conception of the world. In this sense, there are principles external to the language that condition it, such as the communicative objective that the speaker wants to achieve when using a message. The use of the forms will determine their constitution, the most useful forms for most of the speaking community will be those that endure and grammar will emerge from discourse as a set of recurring routines more or less grammaticalized and constantly renegotiated in speech (Hooper 1988). The grammar in this frame will be motivated to change and subject to change because the speaker uses the language in pursuit of a specific communicative objective.