ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 explores the relationship between gender, language style, and conversation. Considering the extent to which language can be limiting and/or empowering, it also provides an overview of how it can be sexist or gender neutral. The chapter looks at the effects of language socialization, discusses the impact of affiliative and oppositional orientations, considers the effects of gender expectations for language use, and the ways in which sexist language promotes the continuation of status differentials based on sex, and, as a result, limits our thinking. Finally, it explores the different genderlects we speak, our reasons for conversing, and common misinterpretations that can result when we speak with each other.
