Jesperson begins the article by explaining the difference of men and women's languages in different cultures. He talks about a Caribbean tribe in the middle of the seventeenth century. Both men and women had particular expressions that the opposite sex didn't ever say. If the men said one of the women's expressions, they would be laughed at. The same went for the men's phrases. The women understood them, but didn't repeat them. So, although they shared a language, it was as if it were a three part language: phrases both men and women used; phrases that men only used; and phrases that women only used.
Jesperson talks about the difference between
men and women today. He also states that men and women are competing
for "language supremacy". Men and women around the
world also communicate differently. Phonetics, grammar, choice
of words, vocabulary, and other general characteristics, clearly
state a difference between a man and a woman's speech. Women
have a considerably less extensive vocabulary than a man. This
is because women tend to want to stay neutral, while men like
to "coin new words or expressions or take up old-fashioned
words." Women do tend to have a more advanced pronunciation
of words and when speaking, choose better combinations of words.
For example, a man would most likely say, "Its very good
of you." when a woman would say, "Its very kind
of you." Linguistically, a woman is quicker than a man.
She learns quicker, hears quicker, and answers quicker. A man,
on the other hand, hesitates and thinks about the appropriate
use of a noun or adjective or an adequate response. Jesperson
states that women of all countries are shy when it comes to mentioning
certain body parts and natural functions; therefore, choose words
that are much more vague and polite than a man would choose.
Jesperson generalizes the language of todays men and women excessively. When he says that women choose their words more carefully than men and are more grammatically correct, he is contradicting himself. It is also stated that men hesitate when listening, learning, or answering so he may choose the most appropriate noun or adjective.
He stated on page 205, "A difference between the language spoken by men and that spoken by women is seen in many countries where two languages are struggling for supremacy in a peaceful way- thus without any question of one nation exterminating the other or the male part of it." Jesperson isn't convincing. There is no clear evidence shown in this study to cause me to believe him. Men and women may have different styles, but in todays world men and women share words. Whether a certain person has a better vocabulary, punctuation, or grammar, is usually a reflection on their educational background.
The difference of the pronunciation of men compared to women doesn't seem as though it should be an issue. In America, there will be different accents and slang. These differences do not come from the men or women, rather the regional area of origin and/or citizenship. For example, southern citizens will speak differently than the northern men and women.
Overall, Jesperson did a good job of
explaining his theories of the language differences between men
and women, but I feel that his explanations and findings of this
study are out of touch with today's world.
©Molly Zenzen, Winona (MN) State University, 30 January 1997. This document may be freely distributed for educational use as long as this notice of its authorship accompanies its distribution.
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