Bases epistemológicas del debate sobre el sexismo lingüístico

Abstract

This paper analyses the epistemological assumptions of the different approaches to the subject of linguistic sexism: the dichotomy language / speech; independence vs. conditioning of language by reality; the principle of arbitrariness; the confusion between reference and referent, etc. We defend the natural motivation of gender in animated nouns with personal reference, trying to show that the relationship between gender and “sex” does not imply confusion of the planes of language and reality, for “sex”, which acts as a motivator, does it as a taxeme of experience, semantic substance conformed linguistically. Taking into account this link, we understand the spontaneous creation of specific feminines, which is a structural trend of our language from its origins. On the other hand, abuse of the “generic” masculine, used in specific contexts –contexts of relevance, where neutralization is not possible– explains the concealment of women, and a naturalization of their absence.