GENDERLECT THEORY

The idea of Genderlect Theory is how the opposite sex, men and women have different evaluation about communication. Its goal is to recognize and understand the language of opposite sex and at the same time to accomplish mutual respect and understanding (Griffin, 2012). According to Tannen (1990), in order to create a significant connection with others, women tend to use rapport talk. This is because women are more attracted in establishing connection and liking. On the other hand, men tend to use report talk because they are rather attracted to respect and status.

Tannen (1990) also suggested that both men and women use language differently where they speak different dialects or in this case, it is called genderlects.

For example :

A young lady is nervous and worried at the same time, hoping to hear from the man she went on a date with recently. She is very concerned with the bond that they have made on their first date and so eager to wait for his call. In this case, the lady is trying to develop and maintain the relationship. The man on the other hand is doing nothing but waiting for her to call him too. His action tells how he wants to be seen as an independent, strong and competitive man which makes him look good. Basically, this symbolizes his status.

Knowing how this relationship goes, the young lady started to  express her emotions and share her personal feelings with her own best friend (rapport talk) while on the other hand, the guy directly tells his circle of friends as if he is reporting at work gain respect intentionally to gain respect (report talk).

After a while, the lady came to the see the guy and confronted him, telling him that she wanted to talk. This action represents how the lady wants to talk because she wants to interact. On the other hand, the guy started to fall for her but he just did not know how to tell and that he wanted to make it brief. The theory suggested that men talk to get things done. Each gender has its own dialect although they speak the same language; which means that although the guy feels the same way, they have different dialects to express the way the feel.

In conlusion, Genderlect Theory shows how easy it is for both men and women to misinterpret the words and actions of others. Thus, this theory promotes mutual understanding and respect both genders’ way of delivering or expressing their emotions.

References :

Griffin, E. (2012) A First Look At Communication Theory. Wheaton : McGraw Hill.

Tannen, D. (1990). You Just Don’t Understand. New York: Ballantine.