Women, metaphors and the legitimisation of gender bias in Spanish proverbs

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6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper aims at analysing the role of proverbs in the sustenance of gender violence within the Spanish context. As demonstrated by feminist linguistic activities, one of the avenues through which the status quo of both men and women are enacted and sustained is through language. However, given the complex nature of the relationship between gender and language, speakers often overlook the role of discourse on gender relations. The author investigates this interconnection using a multidimensional approach which includes insights from Lakoff and Johnson's (1980) theory of metaphor and Austin's (1965) Speech Act theory. This study confirms that quite a number of Spanish proverbs contain violent metaphors that can unconsciously shape speakers' perceptions and actions. Misogynous ideologies in Spanish proverbs should therefore continue to be exposed, criticised and eliminated through conscientization in order to sustain the campaign for gender equality.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)324-339
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of International Women's Studies
Volume20
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Keywords

  • Discourse analysis
  • Gender ideologies and stereotypes
  • Proverbs
  • Speech act theory
  • Theory of metaphor

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