On Language Gender Differences And Similarities

Gender difference is a popular research topic for many disciplines, and linguistics is no exception. The study of gender differences in linguistic field mainly focuses on differences of language uses between males and females, but ignores the similarities lying in paroles used respectively by both sexes. With this in mind, in this thesis the author is to analyze the relationship between language and gender psychologically and culturally.Based on previous research, this paper is to make the following proposals. Firstly, physiological, psychological, and cultural differences are obvious in paroles of different sexes. Secondly, more similarities than differences are found in the lingual practices of males and females, which can be seen through the analysis of American Doctor Janet Shibley Hyde's the Gender Similarities Hypothesis and other numerous data collected on the basis of plenty practical comparative studies. Furthermore, many or most of the language differences are caused by different social cultures and social status of men and women, and their blurring demarcation line as a result of the social development and the resulting gender equality. Thirdly, efforts should be made in distinguishing. the differences respectively caused by different physiology, social status and social roles of the two genders. Finally, further study on the relations of language and gender should be undertaken, with historical background in perspectives, thus to find the root of the differences in the feminist movement and social trend of equality. These studies will eventually offer a theoretical basis of language policy construction, to provide instructive suggestions of establishing proper language environment, to afford academic support of building up a more harmonious society.