Gendered Language

Humans begin to recognize language patterns as early as being in the womb. Understanding then starts to develop around 6-12 months and they can put language to use in sentences usually around 18 months or so. In the short time it takes people to learn a language and its patterns, the stereotypes of gender roles are taught to us. From this young age we subconsciously use language that discourages certain behaviors that may not fit into the binary culture of gender. It is expected that language used by young women should fall under the category of “ladylike” or “proper” while young men are not held to the same expectation. This double standard leads to men becoming more comfortable asserting their own will and dominance over many situations. Furthermore, if women try to express this will, they may be scorned for acting “like a man” or “too strong”.

It is apparent through the way men and women write and speak that there are significant differences in what is acceptable to say. And it is quite obvious that they were taught and raised to be this way. For example, my sister was always being told to watch her language, or my parents and many others around the world telling their sons not to complain or cry about situations they can't control. It was always in the back of my mind as a young boy that if I cried I would be treated like a girl.  This starts from childhood and continues through adulthood.

In short stories written by elementary school students it was almost impossible not to tell when a piece was written by a girl or boy. The tendencies of contests, winning games, battles, defeating nature, having boys as main characters and defending honor all reflect the dominant male language.  On the other side of the spectrum are stories of community and stories with lessons about maintaining community norms, characters that  learn from and coexist with nature and a focus on joint action to achieve goals.

These patterns of speech are frequent to see in all age groups. It subsides somewhat, but there are definitely strands of this gendered language in even the most professional of settings for adults.

“Despite the unanimous conformity to a formal style… female legislators also used fewer articles and more emotion words, which is consistent with stereotypical feminine language characteristics.”  

Even in a profession with one of the highest status’ there  are different ways that legislators deliver speeches and the differences stem from gender. This shows that the early teachings of language determine how we speak based on our gender from birth and throughout all of life.

As Mr. Robertson said, “ He who controls language, has the power.” and in this language it is clear to see who controls it.