Language/Verbal Communication & Gender:
Honeybb
COMS360SwettPPGenderedLanguage.pptxGendered Language
K. Swett, Instructor
COMS 356
CSUN
I. Characteristics: Gender & Language
A. Definition: Language is an arbitrary system which uses symbols to create meaning.
B. Characteristics (preview)
1. Symbolic
2. Arbitrary
3. Efficient
4. Specialized
B. Characteristics of Language (con’t)
Languages use symbols, not signs, to create meaning.
Concrete--------------------------------Abstract
SIGNS SYMBOLS
Presentational Representational
Direct Indirect (arbitrary)
More universal Must be learned
Visual Auditory & Visual
B. Characteristics of Language (con’t)
2. Arbitrary systems of meaning, language rules and conjugations: agreed upon, not “naturally” meaningful.
3. Efficient - need only small # of symbols
-can pick up words or expressions from other languages
4. Specialized – different languages may have different symbol systems; however, all languages can
- be adapted to translate any other language
- can be used for ANY idea
C. Semantics: meanings in words or phrases
1. Types of meaning
-denotative (objective/public)
-connotative (subjective/private)
2. Meaning & language use: situational, affected by rules and roles
-contextual/pragmatic
-figurative/nonliteral (idioms, etc.)
D. Language and perception
1. Defines human understanding & perpetuates the cultural order
- “man” as generic language
- spotlighting woman/female
- naming previously unnamed concepts or creating new ones when needed
(Ex’s: sexual harassment, date rape, metrosexual, bi-curious, manscaping, etc.)
*Can be used to RE-define the cultural order as well
D. Language and perception (con’t)
2. Organizes experiences, used to categorize
- stereotyping: positive or negative generalizations
- polarization (two genders, “opposites”)
3. Implies or includes judgment & emotion
- not neutral (Ex’s: “stud” vs. ______)
(see: connotative def’s earlier)
D. Language and perception (con’t)
4. Language use is CHOICE based
- allows for reflection, prediction, and change(“humans” not “man”)
- the negative can be co-opted; taken from negative to “owned”
(Ex’s: Queer, Grrl, etc.)
- styles, use can be more androgynous
(broader rules = more freedom)
II. Gendered Differences in Use
A. We are socialized into “speech communities” as boys and girls
B. Typical interaction patterns are learned
- by observation & imitation, and thru interaction with caregivers
- through play with peers
II. Gendered Differences in Use (con’t)
C. Patterns are reinforced in adult life
- Women’s communication
- Men’s communication
