Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Gendered Slang/Language

Language is a huge aspect of any culture. I believe our language is gendered to some extent; However, I have never personally heard of the words previewed on urban dictionary. I do not believe these words are common today. Instead, I believe our language is surrounded by certain characteristics for both males and females. 

Men and women need to follow certain guidelines in our culture in order to fit into society's expectations. Take cursing, for instance. In our culture, if a male curses, it is considered normal. On the other hand, if a female curses, it is considered obscene. This is one example of how language is gendered. Women must follow certain guidelines and watch what they say in order to be respected. Males do not need to follow these same guidelines- instead, they are expected to do this while the women are ridiculed. 

The comfort levels of gendered language is also evident in our culture. Take sexual terms for example. Males identify with sexual language and find amusement in it as well as normality. Women are judged if they were to take part in this language. 

In contrast, gossip is something females find normal while men do not associate with this language. Females are able to express feelings through gossiping while males express their feelings much differently. Language puts gender in a whole new perspective. While cultures may not know it, they have set guidelines in what both males and females can and cannot say.  

1 comment:

  1. I think its interesting that you talked about how an entire language (cursing) is looked down upon if spoken by females. Meanwhile, men are able to curse and use sexual terms all the time. A woman's language is gossip. I like that you contrasted these two genders based on languages individualized to fit their genders. You are so right with this- men are looked at strangely for gossiping and woman are not allowed to curse or use sexual phrases without being looked at strange or told they are acting 'un-lady-like".

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