O uso tratamental do "doutor/doutora" em uma comunidade de prática jurídica

Abstract

Based on the Theory of Linguistic Variation (LABOV, 2008 [1972]), the pronouns of Power and Solidarity (BROWN; GILMAN, 1960), the third wave of Sociolinguistics (ECKERT, 2005, 2012) and concepts of Discourse Analysis concerning the nature of pronouns (BENVENISTE, 1995 [1946], [1956], [1958]) as well as the Power Relations (FOUCAULT, 1998), the main goal of this research is to analyze the use of "doutor/doutora" in a legal community of practice in João Pessoa- PB, as well as to understand the role of the terms of address on the construction of social meaning in the linguistic uses of the community. Since the legal language is considered conservative, especially regarding the use of “doutor/doutora”, the research investigates not only the variation in the legal context according to the social role played by the speakers, but also the social meaning of such terms, based on linguistic practice, as well as the prevalence of power and/or solidarity relations (BROWN; GILMAN, 1960). The present study, regarding the methodological aspect, is qualitative, interpretative and ethnographic, since we made a participant observation to get an insight into the day-today routine of a law firm in João Pessoa for approximately three months. In addition, the audio recordings with due consent and the application of a written questionnaire enable the generation of data with the members of the firm, which include 04 legal professionals (lawyers), 01 legal assistant, 02 administrative assistants and 01 secretary. The data obtained from the recordings reveal a symmetrical and solidary treatment among legal professionals, since there is a reciprocal treatment among them. When it comes to interactions between legal professionals and administrative assistants, relations of power/hierarchy are predominant, since there is an almost categorical use of formal terms of address, such as "senhor/senhora, as well as the constant use of "doutor/doutora”. However, the analysis of the questionnaire demonstrates that, concerning legal professionals, those who have been working in the field for a longer time prefer and find “doutor/doutora” appropriate, while the others are indifferent or prefer other manners when referring to legal professionals. In relation to the administrative assistants and secretary, we noticed a certain divergence regarding the use of "doutor/doutora" to legal professionals, although the recordings demonstrate the almost taxative use of such terms of address in their interactions with the lawyers. We also believe that this research may lead to future developments, since "doutor/doutora" are frequently used in everyday communicative situations, especially in Brazilian Portuguese, as social markers of subalternity. Therefore, the study of such terms of address can be extended beyond professional contexts.