Women, Metaphors and the Legitimisation of Gender Bias in Spanish Proverbs
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Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
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