“O pove unide jamais será vencide”: metapragmatics of linguistic-discursive violence on X

Abstract

Considering that LGBTQIA+ communities witness recurring delegitimization strategies regarding the use of non-binary language in online-mediated interactions, which not only affect writing per se but also threaten their existence, we aim to analyze how irony undermines the use of non-binary language and constructs metapragmatics of linguistic-discursive violence on X (formerly Twitter). Theoretically, we engage in a debate concerning linguistic ideologies, metapragmatics, linguistic-discursive proxemics, and impoliteness in formulation a framework for the study of linguistic-discursive violence within the Interactional Sociolinguistics and Pragmatics domains, interrelating this theoretical set to discussions in the scope of non-binary language. Methodologically, we present the procedures adopted in this research, guided by a netnographic, critical and qualitative framework, involving the selection of an interaction: a thread and the comments (in response to the thread) addressing the relationship between the Enem essay test and the use of non-binary language. Analytically, we demonstrated that the interactants used irony not only to delegitimize the use of non-binary language in the construction of metapragmatics of linguistic-discursive violence (interactants A, B, and E) but also to legitimize such use (interactants C and D). Finally, we reiterate the importance of developing a metapragmatic awareness to diagnose instances of violence and endorse non-binary lexical and grammatical choices that align with the identity constitutions of equally non-binary people.