Mode
Mode refers to the physical channel of communication, either through speech or writing. An oppositional view exists between speech and writing, where speech is considered as interpersonal, ephemeral, and concerned with the present, while writing is seen as a monologue, durable, planned, and concerned with the past and future. Speech is characterized by being spontaneous, loosely structured, and grammatically simple, in contrast to writing, which is highly structured, grammatically complex, and formal.
Blended-Mode Text
Many texts do not fit into the neat distinction proposed by the oppositional view, leading to the prototype model, a way of looking at differences within a category or typical and less-typical examples. Intertextuality is also an important concept, describing the process by which texts borrow from or refer to other texts.
Variations in Language Use and Register
Variation in language use and register refers to the differences associated with particular instances of language use and between groups of users. Register is a variety of language associated with a specific situation of use, such as at a grandparent's house, in a headteacher's office, with friends, or in the workplace. Regional variation and social group variation, including sociolect and individual variation, are important aspects of language use and register.
Representation
Representation in language refers to the portrayal of events, people, and circumstances through language to create a way of seeing the world. Gender representation involves the construction of images of men and women in texts, such as books, advertisements, scripts, and the media. This can reinforce or challenge stereotyped gender roles. Address terms, diminutive suffixes, lexical asymmetry, marked terms, and semantic fields are all elements through which gender representation is applied in language use.
Gender Theorists
Several gender theorists have contributed to understanding language and gender. For example, Robin Lakoff, known for the deficit model, identified specific features of women's speech, including hedges, empty adjectives, super-polite forms, tag questions, and hyper-correct grammar and pronunciation. Pamela Fishman's dominance model explores how women's language is perceived as inferior due to male dominance, as seen in research focusing on tag questions.
Deborah Tannen's difference model demonstrated contrasts in speech between men and women, such as status vs support, independence vs intimacy, advice vs understanding, information vs feelings, orders vs proposals, and conflict vs compromise.
Finally, Deborah Cameron's diversity model criticizes the idea of innate differences between men and women's speech, challenging stereotypes and myths. She argues that the differences in language use are not inherent to gender but are rather constructed within society.
Current studies move away from essentialist views that suggest intrinsic differences between men and women's language use. Instead, these studies focus on social and situational aspects that influence language and gender, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between language and gender.
In conclusion, language and gender theories at A level English Language offer a comprehensive understanding of language variations and how they are influenced by gender, challenging traditional assumptions and stereotypes in language use. Studying these theories provides valuable insights into the dynamic and evolving nature of language and gender.
