LANGUAGE AND GENDER THEORIES: *A LEVEL ENGLISH LANGUAGE REVISION* | NARRATOR: BARBARA NJAU

Summary

This video explores key theories on language and gender, focusing on whether gender affects communication. It covers two main approaches: dominance and difference theories. The dominance model suggests men are naturally more dominant, while the difference model proposes men and women have distinct communication styles. The video reviews theories from Otto Jespersen, Robin Lakoff, Zimmerman and West, and Deborah Tannen, among others, discussing how power dynamics, social status, and childhood socialization shape language use. It highlights the complexity of gendered communication patterns, offering valuable insights for linguistic studies.

Takeaways

• 💬 The video explores language and gender theories, discussing how men and women may use language differently.
• 📚 Two main theoretical models are dominance and difference, with dominance suggesting men are more assertive, while difference highlights fundamental communication differences.
• 🗣️ Otto Jespersen's 1922 theory claims women use simpler sentences, link ideas emotionally rather than grammatically, and avoid coarse language, while men enrich language with new words.
• 🔊 Robin Lakoff's 1975 theory suggests women’s language shows less certainty and power, using more polite forms, apologies, intensifiers, and questions.
• 👩‍⚖️ O'Barr and Atkins found that language differences are more tied to social power and status rather than gender alone, challenging Lakoff's theory.
• 🔕 Zimmerman and West's 1975 study suggested that men interrupt women more in mixed-sex conversations, indicating male dominance.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Dale Spender argued that language structures sustain male power, reinforcing patriarchy, and are difficult to challenge.
• 💡 Pamela Fishman and Jennifer Coates highlight that differences in gendered communication emerge early in life, shaped by social interactions.
• 📊 Deborah Tannen's 1990 theory outlines six key differences in how men and women use language, including status vs. support and information vs. feelings.
• 🤝 Janet Holmes and Jane Pilkington suggest that women use tag questions and hedges for politeness and collaboration, not indecision, contrary to Lakoff’s assumptions.

Q & A

What are the two primary models used in language and gender studies?

The two primary models are the dominance model and the difference model. The dominance model suggests that men are naturally more dominant in speech and behavior, while the difference model argues that men and women communicate differently due to differing lifestyles.

What did Otto Jespersen theorize about women's language use?

Otto Jespersen theorized that women use half-finished sentences, speak emotionally rather than grammatically, have a smaller vocabulary, and rely on intensifiers and hyperbole. He believed that women's language was less precise and needed to be 'policed' to maintain the quality of language.

How did Robin Lakoff view women's language and power?

Robin Lakoff argued that women's language is a reflection of gender inequality, contributing to their perceived powerlessness. She identified features like women's frequent apologies, hedging, and the use of tag questions as indicators of their lower status in communication.

What did O'Barr and Atkins conclude from their courtroom study?

O'Barr and Atkins concluded that differences in speech are not necessarily due to gender but are situation-specific, depending on who holds the power in a conversation. Their findings challenged Lakoff's theory by showing that powerless individuals, regardless of gender, exhibited 'women's language' traits.

How does the Zimmerman and West study contribute to the dominance model?

Zimmerman and West found that men interrupt women significantly more in mixed-sex conversations, supporting the idea that male dominance manifests in language use. Their study showed that men interrupt conversations to assert control, contributing to the dominance model of gender communication.

What did Geoffrey Beattie criticize about the Zimmerman and West study?

Geoffrey Beattie criticized Zimmerman and West's study for its small sample size and lack of statistical significance. He found that both men and women interrupted almost equally in conversations, suggesting that male dominance in interruptions may not be as pronounced as previously thought.

What did Pamela Fishman argue about the failure of conversations between men and women?

Pamela Fishman argued that conversations between men and women often fail due to men's lack of response or engagement, not because of women's weaknesses in communication. She viewed women’s use of questions as a means of maintaining conversation rather than expressing insecurity.

How do Deborah Tannen's theories fit into the difference model?

Deborah Tannen's theories suggest that men and women belong to different linguistic subcultures and thus communicate differently. Men prioritize status and problem-solving, while women focus on support and empathy. This aligns with the difference model, which posits that men and women use language for different social purposes.

What role do tag questions play in women's communication according to Janet Holmes?

Janet Holmes argued that tag questions are not a sign of uncertainty or weakness, as Lakoff suggested. Instead, they function as a way to maintain conversation and politeness, helping to include others and manage discussions.

What did Jennifer Coates find about same-sex conversations between men and women?

Jennifer Coates found that women in same-sex conversations tend to be more collaborative and supportive, using positive politeness strategies. In contrast, men in same-sex conversations are less complimentary and aim for more dominance.