Sexualidad, Body and Language: A Sociolinguistic Study of Youth Slang in Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

The present study aims to explore Cuenca youth slang terms and expressions related to the body and sexuality. A sociolinguistic approach with a quantitative methodology was used to collect primary data. The sample consisted of 800 participants and was selected by convenience, according to pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. A questionnaire with ad hoc questions was used to investigate the terms, as well as their meanings and context of use. The analysis was conducted in two phases: 1) quantitative-descriptive analysis of the collected corpus using Excel; and 2) qualitative analysis of the meanings. A total of 820 terms and expressions were found: 512 corresponding to "Body" and 308 to "Sexuality." The results suggest that slang expressions in these areas reproduce power relations, objectification of the body, and gender violence in the everyday use of language.