traduttoretraduttrice

Traduttoretraduttrice is a neologism in Italian that combines traduttore (masculine “translator”) and traduttrice (feminine “translator”) into a single form. The intention is to refer to a translator without indicating gender or to refer to both male and female translators collectively. The term is typically written as one word, but is also found with a hyphen (traduttore-traduttrice) or with a slash (traduttore/traduttrice) to signal the two gendered forms.

Usage and reception are limited and uneven. The phrase appears mainly in discussions of inclusive language, feminist linguistic debates, and some online textos. It is not widely standardized or included in major dictionaries or formal style guides, and can be considered nonstandard or experimental. Critics argue that it is visually heavy and can hinder readability or create ambiguity; proponents see it as a pragmatic device to acknowledge gender without repeating the noun twice. In practice, many writers prefer paired forms such as traduttore e traduttrice or the slash traduttore/traduttrice, or simply use one form and indicate gender when relevant.

Alternatives and notes: When aiming for gender inclusivity, Italian-language style often favors two-word constructions like “traduttore e traduttrice” or the use of a common-gender noun where possible. Some circles experiment with orthographic variants such as traduttorə, but these lack widespread endorsement. As with other gender-language questions, usage varies by publisher, region, and audience.