Language And Gender Theorists Flashcards
What does fishman study?
This linguist argues that conversation between the sexes sometimes fails, not because of anything inherent in the way women talk, but because of how men respond, or don’t respond.
What does Zimmerman and West study?
Concludes that, since men interrupt more often, then they are dominating or attempting to do so.
What does Spender argue ?
claims that it is especially difficult to challenge patriarchal power system, since the way think of the world is part of, and reinforces, this male power
What does Tannen argue?
She believes that there are difference in the way male and female’s talk.
It starts in childhood, where parents use more words about feelings to girls and use more verbs to boys. Males and females belong to difference sub-cultures and therefore speak differently.
What does Cameron argue?
That verbal conduct is important in many cultures; women have been instructed in the proper ways of talking just as they have been instructed in the proper ways of dressing, in the use of cosmetics and other ‘feminine’ kinds of behaviour
What are some of the main differences between men and women in the difference theory?
(Tannen)
Status vs. Support - men see language as a means of asserting dominance; women see it as a way of confirming/supporting ideas.
Information vs. feelings - males are concerned with the facts; women with emotions
Advice vs. understanding - men see language as problem solving; women see it as a means of empathy.
Who argues for the dominance theory?
Zimmerman and West.
