In Spanish, you avoid gender by using gender-neutral words or expressions or by using both masculine and feminine pronouns.
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In Spanish, gender is a fundamental aspect of the language as almost all nouns have a gender, either masculine or feminine. However, it is possible to avoid gender and use gender-neutral terms and expressions or to use both masculine and feminine pronouns.
One of the ways to avoid gender in Spanish is through the use of gender-neutral language. This means using words and expressions that do not specify a gender. For example, instead of saying “chicos” (boys) or “chicas” (girls) one could use “amigos” (friends) to refer to a group of people. Another way is to use inclusive language that encompasses all genders, such as “todxs” (everyone) or “personas” (people).
Another method is to use both masculine and feminine pronouns, known as “el/la” or “ellxs”. This technique ensures that both genders are addressed, making it more inclusive. While this method is not yet formally recognized by the Royal Spanish Academy, it is commonly used in progressive circles of Spanish-speaking countries.
According to famous Spanish language expert Beatriz Snchez, “there is a need to incorporate inclusive language into our vocabulary and expressions in order to break the sexist paradigms of the Spanish language.”
Here are some interesting facts related to gender in Spanish:
- In Spanish, nouns that denote living beings are often gendered based on their biological sex. For example, “perro” (dog) is masculine while “gata” (cat) is feminine.
- The use of masculine as the default gender in Spanish has been widely criticized for perpetuating gender bias and exclusion.
- Countries like Argentina and Mexico have begun to implement laws that require the use of inclusive language in official documents and public spaces.
- The Spanish language is spoken by more than 500 million people worldwide, making it crucial to address issues related to gender inclusivity in the language.
Table:
Method | Description |
---|---|
Gender-neutral language | Using words and expressions that do not specify a gender |
Inclusive language | Using language that encompasses all genders |
Using both masculine and feminine pronouns | Addressing both genders equally |
Video response to your question
This video explains the importance of understanding gender in Spanish nouns and the correct use of articles “el” and “la”. Nouns in Spanish can be masculine or feminine, and it’s important to use the appropriate article with them. The speaker provides examples and patterns to help identify the gender of a noun, but also emphasizes the need for memorization due to inconsistencies and exceptions. The video recommends further research to improve one’s understanding of gender in Spanish.
Some additional responses to your inquiry
Spanish often uses -a and -o for gender agreement in adjectives corresponding with feminine and masculine nouns, respectively; in order to agree with a gender neutral or non-binary noun, it is suggested to use the suffix -e.
In spoken language, you can use alternative phrasing to avoid gendered language. An example might be to say la gente que hace… or las personas que hacen… in place of los que hacen… 4. You can opt for neutral adjectives that don’t change to agree with the noun. Examples of these include amable, fuerte, leal, feliz, interesante and idealista.
In order to take gender out of the language, those vocals are replaced either by "e", "x" or "@". With time pass, the "e" solution has become the mainstream way to say it, because it’s the only of those options that can be actually used whilst speaking.
I’m sure you’ll be interested
The most well-known rule or guideline is that nouns ending in -o are masculine and those ending in -a are feminine, but there are numerous exceptions to this gender rule, especially for those ending in -a.
- 3.1 Use gender-neutral words. Less inclusive.
- 3.2 Using plural pronouns/adjectives.
- 3.3 Use the pronoun one.
- 3.4 Use the relative pronoun who.
- 3.5 Use a plural antecedent.
- 3.6 Omit the gendered word.
- 3.7 Use the passive voice.