Participation and deliberation in language policy: the case of gender-neutral language

This paper investigates language policy formation through participatory and deliberative methods and, more concretely, the regulation of gender-neutral in Barcelona City Council (Spain). Through an argumentative approach to policy, examines a specific idea, process solution, accompanying discursive argumentation used by decision-makers. The (a) shows that linguistic preconceptions power relations may constitute potential barrier effective deliberation on language, (b) argues if local modes governance (as opposed centralised role assigned academies) are going be prescribe practices institutional contexts, arrangements should put place provide access full range views about generate reflective judgments promote public exchange arguments. concludes with discussion implications this study for inclusion policy-making.