DISCURSO, TRABALHO E CONSTRUÇÃO DA IDENTIDADE HOMOSSEXUAL: A LINGUAGEM CIFRADA EM DIÁLOGO

Abstract

This research aims at analyzing the discursive practices used by workers who, sometimes, use ciphered language in their professional activities while keeping characteristics of the construction of homosexual identities and of their work in a hair salon located in Rio Grande, RS. It is based on studies of work (Schwartz and Durrive, 2007; Nouroudine, 2002), on cultural studies (Hall, 2006; Bauman, 2001, 2005), and on the dialogical theory of discourse (Bakhtin, 1997, 1998, 2003; Bakhtin/Volochinov, 2006). The specific objectives of this study are the following: (i) to verify the interaction among heterosexuals and homosexuals in discursive practices at work; (ii) to analyze how discursive practices happen in male homosexuals' work; (iii) to understand discursive aspects of the identity constitution of male homosexuals in work situations. I observed and recorded interactions that occurred among three hairdressers in a hair salon, and interviewed them, afterwards. Based on the analysis which I carried out, I noticed that the ciphered language is a clue for the hairdressers' homosexual identity constitution; at times, they try not to be understood by other individuals who are around them. I also observed that the hairdressers' work activity is rather dynamic and comprises language as work, at work, and about work. Therefore, it enables different subjects, even the most intimate ones, to circulate in the work environment