El léxico en las mujeres y los hombres: restricciones inconscientes o culturales

Abstract

To define an individual’s lexicon according to his gender is quite common in our current society. Each speaker has acquired a particular lexicon that will identify him for the rest of his life. This particular view about a speaker’s usage of the language has motivated the researchers to investigate about it; consequently, this investigation was focused on collecting, analyzing and presenting representative aspects about the restriction of some taboo words according to the gender. Besides, some psychological restrictions imposed by society as well as gradual changes in youngsters’ lexicon are shown as part of the findings. An exhaustive literature review about the subject matter to support the theoretical part was done. To collect the data, a questionnaire was used; it included closed, semi- open and open questions that were asked to 59 students, men and women, between the ages of twenty and thirty from the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. As part of the data analysis, it could be mentioned that there is a clear and perpetuated idea that men use more vulgar o taboo words than women. Women are seen as delicate and feminine according to society imposed norms and view. Another relevant aspect is the gradual change in the speakers’ linguistic conditions; they are allowed to use the lexicon in a more relaxed and free way. It is remarked that the linguistic conditioning is the result of a cultural imposition that is perpetuated by the family. Finally, a lexical revolution is clearly taking place among young speakers who see a slight change in the way society is visualizing the gender.