Women, Metaphors and the Legitimisation of Gender Bias in Spanish Proverbs

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Date

2019

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Volume Title

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Journal of International Women's Studies

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze 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 is 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 several Spanish proverbs contain violent metaphors that can unconsciously shape speakers’ perceptions and actions. Misogynous ideologies in Spanish proverbs should therefore continue to be exposed, criticized, and eliminated through conscientization to sustain the campaign for gender equality.

Description

Research Article

Keywords

Proverbs, Speech Act Theory, Theory of Metaphor, Discourse Analysis, Gender Ideologies and Stereotypes

Citation

Lomotey, Benedicta Adokarley (2019). Women, Metaphors and the Legitimisation of Gender Bias in Spanish Proverbs. Journal of International Women's Studies, 20(2), 324-339. Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/jiws/vol20/iss2/22

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