European Journal of Law Reform

Article

Gender and Language

A Public Law Perspective

Keywords gender language, drafting, language, coercion, linguistic policies
Authors Maria De Benedetto
DOI
Author's information

Maria De Benedetto
Full Professor, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy.
  • Abstract

      The article adopts a public law perspective in order to focus on Gender-Fair Language (GFL) policies and drafting, by considering both language neutralization and language differentiation in some legal systems characterized by different languages.
      The article argues that the real problem is whether it is possible to coerce legislative and administrative language as a tool for policies. In fact, coercion of language produces administrative costs and side effects on freedoms (such as freedom of speech and freedom to teach); controls and sanctions are needed for enforcement; but, overall, language (as an institution) is not a proper object of regulation.

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