Language & Gender By Dana Nichol & Celeste Ventresca

Realms of Research Social interaction Social interaction Genetics Genetics Second language acquisition Second language acquisition Cross cultural gender roles Cross cultural gender roles

Gender Roles: Females Behavior (on average) Role supported by society Use more proper pronunciation Higher verbal skills Respond in conversation Less confident, must respond to males Receive less attention from teachers/adults Have to work harder to gain power When in conflict, tell secrets about others Indirect When in conflict, are called “ugly” Judged on beauty

Gender Roles: Males Behavior (on average) Role supported by society Ask more questions Initiators in conversation Use more commands More direct When in conflict, try to outsmart others Judged on ability and intelligence Use taboo words Rule-breaking more acceptable

Genetics Testosterone Testosterone –Higher level in boys –Thought to point toward reason for higher assertiveness in boys –Can explain asking more questions and using more imperatives

Genetics Estrogen Estrogen –Higher level in girls –Thought to cause weaker brain lateralization (specialization of the sides of the brain) –Weaker lateralization is believed to lead to better language skills

Which is more important? The question is: is social interaction or genetics more of a determinant of a person’s language style? The question is: is social interaction or genetics more of a determinant of a person’s language style? Much research points to… Much research points to… Social! Social!

Video He Said, She Said: Gender, Language, and Communication Dr. Deborah Tannen Professor of Linguistics, Georgetown University

1 st Clip 1 st Clip – demonstrates consistency of boys and girls’ conversation styles at different age levels 2 nd Clip 2 nd Clip –Demonstrates boys’ use of language to top one another 3 rd Clip 3 rd Clip –Demonstrates girls’ use of language to relate to one another

Second Language Acquisition Immigrant and Minority Communities: multilingualism highly valued multilingualism highly valued associated with social and economic benefits associated with social and economic benefits

Second Language Acquisition Gender ideologies can be inhibitors Gender ideologies can be inhibitors –Women as housekeepers and mothers –Lack of finances to send children to daycare Culturally imposed inhibitions Culturally imposed inhibitions –Children should only be in the care of mother

Language Maintenance Immigrant girls more likely to be fluent in parents’ native language and new language Immigrant girls more likely to be fluent in parents’ native language and new language –Girls tend to have a greater “attachment to parental languages” –Girls often serve as “language mediators” *Social context is key

Multilingualism as Empowerment For men and women, learning another language opens more opportunities For men and women, learning another language opens more opportunities –Employment –Social status –Freedom from tradition