Gender Differences In Verbal Style

Language is not only a symbol system but also a social phenomenon which is very closely related to human beings. The study of language and gender is concerned with how gender affects the ways in which humans use language. Gender is one of the key determiners of linguistic variation. Language and gender is one of the main subjects in sociolinguistic field. A large number of researches indicate that there exists differences in male and female's language. They are different in language acquisition, linguistic competence, linguistic performance and other aspects. Furthermore, they explore the roots of such differences. On the basis of the former academic achievements, theories and empirical researches articulated by linguistic authorities, this thesis attempts to study and analyze gender differences in verbal style from sociolinguistic perspective. It aims to explore the causes and influences of gender differences through various behaviors of verbal style and give some suggestions to avoid communicative failure in cross-gender communication. Researches indicate that there are considerable differences in male and female's verbal style, such as topic selection, amount of speech and verbal tactics. This thesis also elaborates the causes of gender difference in verbal style from physical, psychological, social and cultural factors. Understanding well about the differences between men and women in language use will benefit interpersonal communication in everyday life. There are still some suggestions to avoid cross-gender miscommunication, such as identifying differences in language use, increasing mutual cognition and trying to be flexible. The study of verbal style of male and female aims to help people communicate effectively. With the knowledge of gender differences in linguistic performance, it is easy to avoid miscommunication, and contributes to set up harmonious interpersonal relationships.