Language and Gender

What are some the ways in which the use of language is influenced by gender? Analyze an interaction where you think this is relevant. Identify aspects of the conversation which you think reflect the speakers’ ‘gendered identity’. This might, for example, be through the use of a particular voice quality, the things they talk about, or the ways in which the speakers express a particular point of view. The data much be naturally occurring, authentic (i.e. not text-book or rehearsed) examples of spoken language. You can use text message data, on line chat, if you wish, or social media data such Facebook or Twitter. Use Chapter 2 of Discourse analysis (Paltridge, 2012) as the starting point for this assignment. Also: Baker, P. (2008). Sexed texts:  Language, gender and sexuality. London: Equinox. Jule, A.  (2017). A beginner’s guide to language and gender. Second edition. Clevedon, UK: Multilingual Matters. Sunderland, J. & Litosseliti, L. (2002). Gender identity and discourse analysis: Theoretical and empirical considerations. In L. Litosseliti & J. Sunderland (Eds.), Gender identity and discourse analysis (pp.1-39). Amsterdam: John Benjamins..  Tagg, C. (2012). Discourse of text messaging. London: Continuum. Chapter 8. Performing identity through text messaging. (in electronic reserve) Your assignment should cover background theory relevant to your topic, analysis of your data, discussion of your analysis in relation to previous research on your topic, and suggestions for teaching using your data. The teaching suggestions should include a description of the target learner group, the aim of the activity, and a sample of the material you would use in the activity, illustrating how you have used your data analysis to inform your teaching.   You should devote about one quarter of your assignment to each of these areas: background theory, analysis of data, discussion of analysis, the implications for language teaching.  You should use the following subheadings:  Introduction Background theory Analysis of data   Discussion of analysis  The implications for language teaching Conclusion