Inclusive Language
Policies on the Use of Non-Sexist and Non-Binary Language
In line with the journal’s editorial best practices regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and in accordance with current standards of academic ethics and gender equity in scientific communication, RASAL Lingüística adopts the following guidelines.
General Principles
RASAL adheres to the United Nations’ objective of “expressing oneself, orally and in writing, without discriminating against any particular sex, social gender, or gender identity, and without perpetuating gender stereotypes” (https://www.un.org/es/gender-inclusive-language/index.shtml).
Within this framework, the journal allows the use of non-sexist and non-binary language, understanding that such usage seeks to make women and gender diversity visible, in order to promote equality and avoid stereotypes. Likewise, the Editorial Team will respect the self-identifications proposed by participants or groups in research on specific identities or communities.
Non-sexist language is understood to include the use of paired forms, such as el autor y la autora, as well as other expressions that encompass both feminine and masculine genders, such as la comunidad estudiantil, la autoría, la dirección.
Regarding non-binary language, forms such as -e, -x, and other graphic alternatives are accepted.
(The use of the at sign “@” and the asterisk “*” to indicate non-binary gender should be avoided, as they are not readable by automated text readers and do not ensure accessibility.)
If non-binary forms are used, authors are asked to include a footnote at their first occurrence in the manuscript clarifying that the chosen graphic form refers to non-binary language.
Recommendations for the Use of Inclusive Language
Naming of researchers, authors, and participants
Explicit feminine and masculine forms may be used for positions, professions, or roles when gender is known (la investigadora, el editor, la directora del proyecto).
For collective or unmarked roles, neutral terms may be used, such as: equipo de investigación, personal docente, comunidad académica, comunidad de hablantes, personas participantes, personas entrevistadas, población estudiantil.
Alternatives to the generic masculine
- Neutral or unmarked nouns: la membresía, la coordinación, la dirección, la autoría.
- Collective nouns: la población estudiante, el cuerpo académico, el equipo editorial, la comunidad.
- Epicene nouns: la persona, la víctima, la figura, el individuo.
- Periphrastic expressions: quienes integran el comité, las personas que participan en la muestra.
- “Se” constructions (impersonal/passive forms): se invita a enviar contribuciones, se convocará a revisión.
- Gender-neutral pronouns and determiners: quien(es), alguien, nadie, cada, cualquier, su/sus.
Paired forms and the use of the slash (/)
Paired forms may be used, such as el autor y la autora, los y las hablantes.
Forms such as cada autor/a, cada maestro/a may also be used.
Excessive use of these resources is discouraged in order to preserve readability and textual flow.
Use of inclusive “-e” and other graphic resources
The use of -e, -x (e.g., todes, todxs), among other graphic resources, are alternatives for non-binary language.
To maintain consistency and readability, it is recommended to avoid repetitive use and to alternate with neutral forms where appropriate.
Editorial consistency and clarity
Authors are asked to maintain consistent use of non-sexist/non-binary language throughout the manuscript and to ensure grammatical agreement within sentences.
During the editing process, the Editorial Board may suggest modifications to ensure consistency with these guidelines.
