Language and Gender

Summary

This lesson explores the relationship between language and gender, with a focus on how men and women use language differently. It references seminal research by Robin Lakoff, who highlighted the differences in language usage between genders, such as women's more polite, hedged, and indirect language versus men's more direct and dominant style. The video challenges the relevance of older research in the modern, more equal context and encourages students to critically engage with gendered language through activities, including analyzing media portrayals like Love Island. Ultimately, it invites students to investigate how language and gender interact in the 21st century.

Takeaways

• 😀 The lesson focuses on the topic of language and gender, specifically looking at how males and females use language differently.
• 😀 The NEA (Non-Examination Assessment) could explore topics such as how men and women use language in social media, text messages, conversations, or speeches.
• 😀 Robin Lakoff's research in 1973 suggested that male language was considered the 'norm,' and female language deviated from this standard, potentially leading to a 'genderlect.'
• 😀 Lakoff observed that women tend to use more hedges (e.g., 'maybe,' 'sort of'), be more polite, and use softer language compared to men who tend to be more direct.
• 😀 She also noted that women often use more intensifiers (e.g., 'very,' 'absolutely'), have more specialized vocabulary, and have a tendency to overcorrect their grammar.
• 😀 Lakoff saw these language differences as potentially weakening women's position, portraying them as less powerful or assertive in conversations.
• 😀 Male language was characterized as being more direct, interrupting more often, and using swearing and humor as a way to establish dominance or bond with peers.
• 😀 Deborah Tannen, in 1990, argued that the differences in male and female language use could lead to miscommunication, especially in relationships.
• 😀 Jenny Coates observed that in all-female conversations, women were more cooperative, supporting and giving way to each other, whereas men in mixed-sex conversations were less cooperative.
• 😀 Jane Pilkington's research indicated that women in same-sex conversations use more positive politeness strategies compared to men, who were less supportive in their speech.
• 😀 Modern media, such as reality TV shows like 'Love Island,' may contradict some of the older research, showing that men and women’s language today might be more similar due to changing societal norms.
• 😀 The feminist movement and changing gender roles in the 21st century may have led to more equality between men and women, influencing the way they use language.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lesson?

The main focus of the lesson is on language and identity, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between language and gender.

What are some potential NEA topics mentioned in the transcript?

Potential NEA topics include investigating how males and females use language differently in areas like social media, text messages, conversations, speeches, or how the language used to describe males and females differs in fiction or newspapers.

What is Robin Lakoff's theory on language and gender?

Robin Lakoff's theory, presented in her book 'Language and Woman's Place' (1973), suggests that male language was seen as normative, and female language deviated from this norm. She believed that genderlects existed, meaning that male and female language was so distinct that each could be considered a separate dialect.

What are some of the features of female language according to Lakoff?

According to Lakoff, female language tends to include more hedges (softening or weakening statements), greater politeness, more correct grammar and punctuation, the use of emphatic language, empty adjectives, and a higher likelihood of using a questioning intonation at the end of sentences.

How does Lakoff describe male language?

Lakoff describes male language as more direct, explicit, and less polite. Men are more likely to interrupt, dominate conversations, use non-standard forms of language, and employ swearing or humor. Their language also tends to lack the detailed vocabulary that women use, particularly in areas like colors.

Why might Lakoff's research on language and gender be seen as outdated?

Lakoff's research may be seen as outdated because it was conducted in the 1970s, a time when gender roles were more rigid. Over the years, social and cultural changes, particularly through feminism, have contributed to greater gender equality, which may have altered the way men and women use language.

What is Deborah Tannen's perspective on male and female communication?

Deborah Tannen, in her book 'You Just Don't Understand' (1990), argues that men and women use language differently, leading to potential miscommunications. For example, when women say they had a bad day, they may simply be seeking sympathy, but men may misinterpret it as a request for advice.

How does Jenny Coates describe women's language in conversation?

Jenny Coates observed that women tend to be more cooperative in conversation. They support each other, give positive feedback, and negotiate their discussions in a way that contrasts with mixed-sex conversations, where men may dominate more.

What did Conrad Kuyper-Hugh find in his study of male language in rugby teams?

Conrad Kuyper-Hugh's study of male rugby team talk found that men use insults as a form of solidarity, paying less attention to the need to save face. This suggests that men in certain social contexts bond by making fun of each other.

How do modern representations of male and female language in reality shows like Love Island challenge Lakoff's research?

In shows like Love Island, the language of both men and women often contradicts Lakoff's portrayal. Men may display more outspoken behavior, while women may adopt a more assertive, fiery character. This suggests that the language behaviors observed on the show could be influenced by the participants' awareness of being on television, or by the producers' intent to select outspoken individuals.