Substituição lexical no contexto das discussões sociais sobre protagonismo feminino: ressignificação e reframes em perspectiva sociocognitiva

Abstract

This study analyzes, through the social network X (formerly Twitter), proposals for replacing conventional words, phrases, and expressions with alternatives considered more innovative in relation to the role of women in contemporary society. Expressions such as “lugar de mulher é na cozinha” are resignified through alternatives like “lugar de mulher é onde ela quiser”, revealing a process of linguistic change grounded in cognitive and cultural transformations. The methodology adopts a qualitative approach, using documentary research as the technical procedure, and is divided into four stages. The first stage comprises theoretical studies on female protagonism and the importance of language in the struggle against patriarchal structures (Pinto, 2010; Fontes, 2023), as well as key concepts from Cognitive Linguistics, such as constructs, frames, reframing, and relexicalization (Langacker, 2008; Fillmore, 2009; Lakoff, 2006). The second stage is dedicated to data generation, with the support of ChatGPT for specific searches on the web in general and on the X platform in particular. In the third stage, fifteen posts were collected and organized into three categories: (1) eight posts suggesting linguistic changes related to women; (2) three posts by different users discussing the same word; and (3) four posts containing questions about specific expressions, accompanied by three comments with substitution suggestions. The fourth stage consists of analyzing the users’ comments and justifications, considering the aforementioned theoretical frameworks. The results indicate the existence of social demands for the replacement of words and expressions that objectify, disqualify, or subordinate women. These proposals aim at constructing a language whose activated frames point to respectful and non-patriarchal meanings. One example is the substitution of “mãe solteira” by “mãe solo”. While the former activates a frame based on marital status, often carrying negative connotations, the latter highlights autonomous motherhood, promoting a more empathetic view of this family configuration. Social networks such as X function as spaces for the circulation, visibility, and amplification of metalinguistic debates that are part of users’ everyday interactions.