Gender Differences in Language and the Difference Model

Start with the difference model

The mind map “Difference model” introduces the view that men and women belong to different subcultures and may experience difficulties communicating because of different socialization. Use it as a starting point, then look at “Deborah Tannen” for a set of contrasts associated with the model. The map presents categories such as status and support, and advice and understanding.

As you read, note how each resource presents its ideas. Treat the contrasts as claims made in the resources, rather than as descriptions of every speaker.

Compare maps and slides

The “Deborah Tannen” slide set summarizes contrasts also found in the mind maps. After studying the map, use the slides to check which contrasts you remember and how they are described. The “Tannen” mind map offers another way to review them.

There are no quizzes listed on this page. Instead, cover the details in a map and try to recall them before checking the slide set. You can also compare the wording across the resources.

Explore other researchers

The “Jennifer Coates” mind maps include material on conversations among women friends. “Jane Pilkington” covers features of gossip used by groups of male and female speakers. “Janet Holmes” includes points about cooperative turn-taking, compliments, tag questions, hedges and fillers.

Look for what each map says was studied or claimed. Then compare those points with the contrasts in the Tannen resources, keeping each researcher’s contribution distinct.

Place the topic in its unit

Gender Differences in Language and the Difference Model is one section of the Language and Gender unit in Linguistics and philology. Use the resources here to organize your understanding of this section as you explore the unit. Choose a map to study, then use a slide set to check your notes.