Abstract

GARCIA IZQUIERDO, Isabel. Neutral Spanish in Specialized Discourse: Myth, Utopia, or Reality?. Íkala [online]. 2009, vol.14, n.23, pp.15-39. ISSN 0123-3432.

This paper refects on the possibility of achieving a neutral (international) Spanish, based on an analysis of some determining factors in the current confguration of the Spanish language. The limitations and drawbacks of a neutral Spanish notwithstanding, we defend its appropriateness, particularly in the feld of scientifc Spanish, as a tool to homogenize certain usages. This could enhance language cohesion in some contexts and, as a result, help Spanish to be viewed as a language of prestige. We also propose a conceptualization of neutral Spanish. We conclude by stating that neutral Spanish is not yet a reality but could become one if the different authorities involved in the standardization of specialized discourse were to agree on some basic criteria.

Keywords : neutral Spanish; specialized discourse; linguistic varieties.

        · abstract in Spanish | French     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )