Textual linkers in the process of standardisation of the Buenos Aires Spanish variety

Abstract

Usage revels a clear correlation between different sociolinguistic varieties and the speakers'sex thus highlighting `sex' as an unavoidable point of reference when dealing with linguistic variety. With respect to the way textual linkers are used, from a diacronic and sociolinguistic perspective, this correlation has already been proved in man's written discouse as closely linked to the process of standardisation undergone by the Buenos Aires Spanish variety (Pato, 1996,1997 y 2001). As regards the appearance of such elements in female written discourse, this paper records differences with the former wich are dependant on the sex variable. These differences are also associated with the degree of standardisation of the Spanish variety used by female speakers.