Sara Balder

  • Alumni
  • DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS

Graduated with BA/MA 2005
Went on to MA program in Communication, University of Hawai’i at Manoa

My work focuses on the connection between language and the social values surrounding gender, sexual identity, and discrimination. Specifically, I examine the role of everyday discursive practices in the social construction of heteronormative identity, and explore how they endorse the illegitimation and marginalization of gender and sexual minorities. My main area of research is Chilean language and culture, and I am currently working on an MA thesis entitled “Language, heterosexism, and identity: Normative Chilean discursive practices.” I hope to expand this project to encompass heteronormative discursive practices in other Latin American counties.