ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we examine language and gender. We begin by considering the meaning of ‘gender’ by contrasting it with ‘sex’. We then turn to issues of inequality of the sexes in language. We explore the use of the generic ‘he’ and other lexical items that represent women less favourably than men as an example of inequality. We then look at different kinds of talk in addition to the form of communication known as gossip, in order to evaluate whether and how men and women use language differently. To examine the language of more deeply entrenched ideologies associated with gender, we then consider whether women talk more than men. Finally, we investigate how gender identity is performed through language and the connection between gender and sexuality.
