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explain that, “gender can be the actual content of a linguistic sign p. 60”. It can be considered that gender contributes to communicative practice in different ways.
Gender influences an individual in using language. Men and women are different when they use language to communicate. Based on Kramer 1977 as cited
by Spender 1980, p. 33:
English speakers believe that men’s speech is forceful, efficient, blunt, authoritative, serious, effective, sparing and masterful. Women usually are
seen by one side because women are regarded as weak creatures. It is different from what they believe about women’s speech which is weak,
trivial, ineffectual, tentative, hesitant, hyper polite, euphemistic and is often marked by gossip and gibberish.
Men are seen to be effective when they use language. It is different from women who are lack of power in society. Women’s speech is powerless so that they
need to be careful in using language. Therefore, both men and women have different ways in expressing their utterances through the language they use.
2. Femininity and Masculinity
Femininity and masculinity describe someone’s gender identity. According to Burke, Stets and Pirog-Good 1988, and Spence 1985, femininity and
masculinity refer to the degree to which persons see themselves as masculine or feminine given what it means to be a man or woman in society. Femininity and
masculinity are socially constructed. They are more social one’s gender rather than biological one’s sex. People in society construct what being male or female
means. Generally, males will define themselves as masculine and females will define themselves as feminine. However, Holmes 2013 states that since it is
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socially constructed, it is possible for a female to see herself as masculine or a male to see himself as feminine.
People have views of themselves about being feminine and masculine. Some people are more feminine, some more masculine, and some perhaps a mixture
of masculine and feminine. Those views reflect their gender identity and guide them to behave in society. In Glee Television Series Season 1, Kurt Hummel is the first
openly gay character. He is physically seen as a man. However, he adapts more feminine context rather than masculine context. It reflects from the way he sees
himself, and the way he behaves and talks in his society.
3. Women’s Language
The language used can show the nature and the role of an individual in society. Women and men use language differently, especially when they are
speaking. Women are claimed to have less confidence to talk than men since women are considered powerless. Edward states that “the eternal stereotypes of women are
weak, changeable and unreliable, endlessly, talkative” 2009, p. 127. Those stereotypes are related to what Lakoff 1975 says about women
experiencing linguistic discrimination in society. The discrimination happens in two ways: in the way they are taught to use language, and in the way general
language use treats them. Women are expected to be polite and should speak with standard forms because they are guardians of society Holmes, 2001. Lakoff
1975 also says that women are not allowed to show their temper or complain in rage.
