Genderlect

Today the issue of the difference between men’s and women’s use of language raises hot debates among sociolinguists, psychologists and other scholars. They create various theories that complicate the issue because of the fact that they observe gender differences from various perspectives. One theory is known as “genderlect”, which according to The Free Dictionary is a variety of speech, writing, or conversational style used by a particular gender. An analysis of the writings of both genders reveals one main difference between them: men focus more on status in their writings while women focus more on a connection with the reader (Lyons).

In terms of “genderlect” the language of women is mainly driven for making a relationship or connection with the person that is reading or listening to them (Lyons). Women like to, ask questions, avoid conflicts, and sometimes listen in which the reader is satisfied with the writings of the author (Lyons). Though this focus on connection is shown in writings it is also shown in public. If you notice in your classes that most women sit in front of the class than men, because they prefer to ask more questions than men do. Asking questions gives that teacher -student relationship that women seek. They try to avoid conflicts that generally go on because it can affect the relationship with their audience in a negative way. Also if you observe a conversation that goes on with two women or even a woman and a man, you will notice that the woman will “maintain eye contact, nod her head, and respond in some way” (402).

Money Wise Women, is a blog that is created by women for women that contains money management information. The introduction of this blog starts off by telling a story of the author’s pers...

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...h bilingual education or not. He wants to show his powerful views in his writing which he gains status from.

Applying to the analysis of linguistic elements in men and women speech, psychologists suggests that speech style of them differs from each other because status and connection are not necessarily conscious primary goals but are inherent in all of us (Lyons). Throughout our lives, men and women place more emphasis on different things to achieve their goals. For women, greater value is placed on building a connection and rapport by doing things such as speaking in small groups, actively listening, stopping at the petrol station to ask for directions and avoiding conflicts. For men weight is placed on being independent and maintaining status up, and competition. We learn these behaviors when we are young and carry these attitudes and lessons into adulthood.