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Nympho or ambitious? It's all in a Word in Spain
MADRID, Aug 19 (Reuters) - The Spanish government, trying to
tackle sexism in a country known for macho attitudes, has asked
U.S. software giant Microsoft <MSFT.O> to change entries in its
Spanish dictionary programme that some women consider offensive.
The official Women's Institute said on Thursday it had
received complaints from women about "clearly sexist" synonyms
in the dictionary, part of a Word programme for
Spanish-speakers.
Particularly controversial were synonyms for the feminine
adjective "ansiosa" -- eager or greedy in English -- which was
equated with the Spanish words for "nymphomaniac, lecherous,
sexually avid."
By contrast, the masculine version of the word, "ansioso,"
was described as "covetous, yearning, painstaking, ambitious."
The dictionary also offered feminine synonyms for "ligera"
-- light or slight in English -- including "frivolous, vain,
conceited, coquettish, dissolute, unfaithful, deceitful or
seductress."
The more flattering synonyms for the masculine version were
"fast, agile, lively, graceful, slim, faint, delicate."
Other entries associated a feminine version of the word
"boss" -- "jefa" in Spanish -- with the words "owner, mistress,
patron," while the masculine synonyms were "director, superior,
manager."
The Women's Institute said it had offered Microsoft's Spain
unit help to modify the dictionary.
A Microsoft spokeswoman said she was unaware of the
complaint.
REUTERS
Rtr 08:05 08-19-99
Copyright 1999, Reuters News Service |
