Is the minister still pregnant? Linguistic norm, usage and speaker Cover Image

Il ministro è tuttora incinta? Fra la norma, l’uso e il parlante
Is the minister still pregnant? Linguistic norm, usage and speaker

Author(s): Agnieszka Latos
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Studies of Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie
Keywords: feminine agentives; linguistic norm; tendencies of the contemporary usage; Italian

Summary/Abstract: In spite of the recent proliferation of feminine names such as ministra (minister.F) and deputata (member of Parliament.F) in the Italian press, the Italian linguistic system continues to waver between prescriptive language norms and language use: some forms appear plausible and are becoming increasingly used; others, though grammatically correct, do not convince. By exploring online linguistic data and interviewing native speakers, this empirical study aims at illustrating the present-day use of Italian feminine agentives. Speakers communicative needs, preferences and linguistic awareness are of particular interest for this study.

  • Issue Year: 9/2017
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 54-64
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Italian