In Spanish, inclusive writing, often referred to as “escritura inclusiva,” aims to promote gender equality and inclusivity in language usage. Similar to other languages like French and English, Spanish has traditionally been structured around masculine forms as the default, which can lead to the exclusion or marginalization of women and non-binary individuals.
There are several strategies employed in inclusive writing in Spanish:
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Gender-neutral language: One approach involves using gender-neutral language whenever possible. This includes using inclusive terms that encompass people of all genders. For example, instead of using “los ciudadanos” (the citizens) or “los alumnos” (the students), one might use “las personas” (the people) or “el alumnado” (the student body).
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Gender-inclusive endings: Another strategy is to use gender-inclusive endings that explicitly include both masculine and feminine forms. For example, instead of writing “amigos” (male friends) or “amigas” (female friends), one might use “amig@s” or “amigxs” to include all genders. Similarly, instead of “niños” (boys) or “niñas” (girls), one might use “niñ@s” or “niñxs.”
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Using the “@” symbol: Some writers use the “@” symbol to create gender-inclusive forms. For instance, instead of writing “amigos” or “amigas,” one might write “amig@s.” However, this approach has been criticized for being visually cumbersome and difficult to read.
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Using the “e” ending: Another method involves using the letter “e” as a gender-neutral ending. For example, instead of “todos” (everyone, all), one might use “todes” or “todes.” Similarly, instead of “estudiantes” (students), one might use “estudiantxs” or “estudiantes.”
It’s essential to note that inclusive writing in Spanish, like in other languages, has sparked debate and controversy. Some people argue that these changes are necessary to promote gender equality and inclusivity, while others believe that they complicate language unnecessarily and impede communication.
Regarding the Academia Real Española (RAE), the institution that serves as the authority on the Spanish language, its stance on inclusive writing has been somewhat conservative. While the RAE acknowledges the importance of gender equality, it has not officially endorsed inclusive writing practices, citing concerns about potential confusion and linguistic clarity.
To conclude, inclusive writing in Spanish involves various strategies aimed at promoting gender equality and inclusivity in language usage. While it continues to evolve and gain acceptance, it also faces resistance and debate within linguistic circles.
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