Use of inclusive and non-sexist language

RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE USE OF INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE

The Journal Cuestiones de Género recommends the use of non-sexist language in texts submitted to the publication.

The publication aware that not all texts are equally suitable for adapting certain linguistic formulas to the demands of egalitarian language, relies on careful attention to content in favor of equality beyond merely morphological aspects. However, given that language provides resources and mechanisms for expressing what is intended, the author can choose between one form or another to express themselves in an inclusive and non-sexist manner.

Thus, although the Royal Spanish Academy recognizes the masculine as the unmarked gender for collective references, there is a growing demand for formulas that make visible the role of women and non-binary people. This does not mean that the use of the generic masculine is inappropriate or always discriminatory. Its use is perfectly valid and avoids a sexist interpretation if, for example, we also name the person or people we refer to with that term.

Therefore, Cuestiones de Género Journal advocates for inclusive linguistic formulas, which can be used as long as they do not alter the meaning of the expression.

The proposals presented here are not the only ones, although they are the most commonly used. In any case, it is not necessary to choose just one option; different solutions can be used alternately throughout the text. Furthermore, in each case, it is advisable to choose the one that best suits the grammatical and content circumstances.

One of the keys to detecting whether a word or expression could imply sexism is to subject it to the so-called inversion rule, which consists of replacing it with the opposite gender. If it is inappropriate, it should be replaced with a more inclusive one.

Below is a list of the most recommended linguistic formulas to avoid sexist language:

- If the names of the people being referred to are known, it is advisable to use the grammatical gender that represents their gender.

- In the case of a group of women and men, both the feminine and masculine should be used if it is known that the majority are women; or both masculine and feminine if it is known that the majority are men. If the level of participation is unknown, you can start with either formula and use them alternately, or opt for alphabetical order (male and female students, or male and female doctors).

- It is advisable to use generic or epicene nouns (person, subject, individual, character, member, etc.), collective nouns (citizenship, students, team), and abstract nouns (archaeology for archaeologist, authorship for author, direction for director).

- Periphrases and syntagms also favor more egalitarian formulations ("research staff" instead of "researcher"; or "grant holder" instead of "fellow"), as well as genderless pronouns: neuter forms instead of pronouns accompanied by a masculine or feminine article ("el que" or "la que" instead of "quien"); generic formulas (genderless pronouns) instead of indefinite pronouns (instead of "uno" or "una," it would be better to use "alguen" or "nadie"). Genderless adjectives are also preferable (e.g., "diferente" instead of "distintos" and "varias"; "ilustres," "insignes," "excelentes," "cébres" instead of "prestigiosas" or "prestigious"; "cualquier" or "cada" instead of "todo," etc.).

- Impersonality, omission of the subject, use of the second person singular (tú or usted) or the first person plural, or the imperative form of the verb can be used. It is also advisable to replace passive verbs with active verbs or impersonal forms with "se".

- In cases where the particle accompanying the noun determines the gender, it is proposed:

1) to eliminate one of the two articles (the one of the gender that occupies the second place), although this option cannot be applied in the case of invariable nouns; and

2) instead of splitting the determiners, adjectives, and participles with which the noun agrees, proximity agreement can be used.

Other formulas that are also used:

- Splitting. Although this is the most well-known option, its application must be cautious, as overuse can cause the language to lose economy and make reading less agile. If they are unavoidable, it is advisable to alternate the feminine and masculine forms first throughout the text.

- Explanatory appositions. When the generic masculine is unavoidably used, these additions are helpful to clarify the universal meaning. As with the use of division, their use can make reading difficult and even become redundant when such clarification is unnecessary.

For more information and examples, see:

• Basic guide to the use of gender-inclusive language.
• Guidelines for the use of gender-inclusive language established by the United Nations.