Pragmatic Study Of Gender Differences In Language Communication--A Case Study Of Jane Eyre And A Dream Of Red Mansions

Communications are becoming more and more frequent in our daily life nowadays, and different language uses reflected in gender differences universally exist in all social classes. However, misunderstanding and even conflict may occur in the cross-sex communication due to people's unconsciousness of the existence as well as the root of gender differences. So it is greatly significant in practice to know the relationship between language and gender further and to appropriately master the linguistic features of gender differences in the process of language communication.Based on the review of previous studies, which mainly focus on gender differences from the aspects of phonology, lexicon and syntax, this paper proposes a feasible methodology to analyze gender differences in language communication from the perspective of pragmatics. Based on the theories of Speech Act Theory, Cooperative Principle, Politeness Principle and Face Theory, it analyzes the typical conversations collected from two novels: Jane Eyre and A Dream of the Red Mansion, and intends to demonstrate how females and males differ in observing and flouting theses pragmatic theories in conversations. Furthermore, it explores some factors that cause the gender differences such as cultural, social and psychological factors. Moreover, consequences and negative effects of gender differences will be introduced. Meanwhile, in order to minimize the negative effects of gender differences in language communication, to promote the smooth progress of language communication, and to improve the quality of foreign language teaching, this thesis proposes that females'social statue should be paid more attention to and parents and teachers should eliminate the negative effects of the stereotypes.Combining the theories in such disciplines, this paper enriches the theories applied to the studies on this topic, widens the scope and broadens the horizon of the application of pragmatics. Through the exploration of the factors of gender differences and the provision of the suggestions both for teaching and the future studies, people could get a better understanding of gender differences in language communication. Learners can realize gender differences more clearly and use the target language correctly and appropriately to overcome the barriers in language communication. At the same time, it is also helpful for the teachers to understand how to guide students'thinking and try to eliminate the gender inequality in class. Therefore, it plays a role as a guide in language communication and it is meaningful in promoting the harmonious development of cross-sex communication and foreign language teaching.