Qualitative analysis of the use of non-sexist language in higher education: the case of the University of Málaga from the professor’s perspective

We live in a fast-changing society where social, economic and cultural changes clearly affect language; therefore, language should be faithfully adjusted to reality continue fulfilling its function: communication. The problem arises when advances faster than research. Currently, the feminine gender only designates women, while masculine has double use: specific, referring men, generic, refer both men women. Consequently, we are usually unaware of whether use is sexist or not how it can influence our way constructing realities thoughts. Accordingly, educational institutions play key role transmission values and, since university context pivotal point professional personal development students, content used by teachers must developed with non-sexist language. This study aims investigate attitudes opinions professors towards during teaching learning process. methodology was eminently qualitative, using an in-depth semi-structured interview as data collection instrument. Professors from different Schools University Málaga (Universidad de – UMA), specifically fields knowledge ranging Engineering Architecture Social Legal Sciences, have participated this study. To complete study, branches were compared perspective. results showed some predisposition egalitarian although most systematically generic masculine, perhaps tradition.