silvia rivera alfaro

Indisciplinadxs, translated as Undisciplined, is an independent digital public-facing learning and research community of feminist linguists across different territories who have been working together since May 2020 focusing mainly in Spanish language. 

The community is the result of a collective need. Ernesto Cuba and I were interested in exploring the state of the work on language, gender, and sexuality in Spanish. Initially, we thought of a literature review, but later we decided it would be better if we could get to know people working on projects in this area or who were interested in it. Thus in 2020, we decided to start a thematic reading circle.

The need for connection was echoed by the strong response of a group of language workers, professionals, scholars, and activist who joined from many different territories of the Americas and Europe. Instead of a reading circle, we became a community of practice from the very beginning. In 2022 we published our first Dossier on Feminist Linguistics by invitation of the LL Journal editorial board.

My role in Indisciplinadxs has been leading and developing our digital spaces. I designed and created the website. I also co-led the reading sessions during the first year of meetings. I have also been part of the organizing team of the First and Second Undisciplined Edit-a-thon, public language cyberfeminist events to interviene Wikipedia. These events have at the same time pedagogical and activist. The participants learn digital skills to use Wikipedia, but also learn about gender and language, women and LGTBQ+ people in linguistics, and other topics.