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 persons language style? The question is: is social interaction or genetics more of a determinant of a persons 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