Answer

Gender Differences in Speech

         Analyzing variations in speech based on an individual’s gender is intriguing, as the two groups appear to observe similar communication patterns. However, throughout the discussion, it was apparent that the way men speak is not the same as that of women. Moreover, these differences are not created by varying environmental, ethical, sociological, or historical backgrounds.  Primarily, the focus and content of speech from each gender tend to influence their approach to a conversation. In this regard, the main themes regarding gender differences in speech comprised power, use of language, and content. Principally, this paper analyses the concept of differences in speech as depicted by each gender.

Initial post summary

               Both men and women tend to speak more about topics which they are comfortable with. It can be a topic where they are highly knowledgeable, have the experience, desire to learn, or one that does not affect them. Notably, men are characterized by speaking casually as compared to females.   Even though there is no agreed reason for this variation, the overarching view is that women are highly cautious of their social status and how others perceive them. As such, they tend to take speech seriously, thereby avoiding a casual approach depicted by men.  For males, an individual or societal perception that is not centered on identified facts seldom troubles them. Consequently, they do not display significant consciousness in their conversations.  For instance, a man will laugh off a friend’s comment that his skin texture is not even. He may even respond with a statement like, “that’s how men should be.” However, the same comment to a woman will significantly impact her as she may decide to go for skin therapy and even change her current skincare products.

Individual perception

               A primary theme differentiating men and women based on their speech is the content of their talks. Notably, women tend to speak more about virtual elements such as feelings, relationships, and people. On the other hand, men focus on talking about facts or things related to reality, such as cars and finances. The focus on facts by males is arguably the main reason why they speak less than women. Ideally, talking about others or relationships may yield many dimensions to a speech resulting in a long conversation. For example, women talking about other ladies may discuss their appearance, hair makeup, dressing style, and even relationships. However, for men, talking about finance facts will have only a single dimension to a topic like declining prices. As such, the conversation will tend to be short.

               Another theme regarding gender differences in speech discussion is the way language is used.  As per Hunter, men use language in a competitive manner, reflecting their interest in gaining and maintaining status (13). On the other hand, women cooperatively use language, reflecting their desire for fairness, harmony, and equality. Therefore, language differentiates the goals and preferences of each gender. In some way, this variation helps create a relationship between genders. For instance, whereas men will be competitive in their talking as they aim to maintain their status, women will be cooperative.  Consequently, a rapport will develop between the two leading to a lifelong relationship. However, if both females and males could use speech in the same way, say be competitive, it would be challenging to have cross-gender relationships.

Anthropological terms

               A prominent term in analyzing differences in speech between men and women is status. It refers to that which is acquired by doing something. Notably, in the conventional use of language, men focus on maintaining or gaining more status while women cooperate with the status that they like. For instance, a man will strive to acquire more wealth even in old age while a woman will agree to marry a peaceful person even if he is poor.  The concept of power in gender speech indicates acephalous society where power has been diffused. Similarly, men and women in marriage possess different powers, but there is no distinct structure of how power is used. Even some couples are not sure of whom between them hold more power. Actual behaviors refer to how someone exists in real terms. However, in evaluating gender differences in speech, females have a high propensity to diverge from their actual behaviors to escape feelings of anomie compared to men who are often real. Lastly, the evaluation of gender differences in speech may be limited by bisexual individuals who are attracted to persons of all genders.

Peer’s post

            Tannen’s analysis of gender differences in speech is relevant in application to real-life situations. Primarily, she argues that in all relationships, one person holds more power than the other.  In this regard, this power is often subtle and is only indicated by analyzing speech between the persons in a relationship. In her example, she has seen various relationships in which one person is more emotional than the other; I concur with her that there are always individuals who give more in a relationship than others.  Often men tend to hold more power in a relationship as they talk less and are seldom emotional.  The view resonates with my understanding as I feel that some people offer less in relationships than others.  Notably, this does not only happen in cross-gender relationships but also among friends of the same gender.

Principally, the topic of gender differences in speech changed the way I perceive speech. Initially, I only regarded speech as a way to communicate only. However, after discussing the topic, I now view speech as a unique feature that can differentiate males and females. For instance, when reading an article written by an anonymous person, I can now detect the gender of the writer. Notably, I can relate this topic to the way people interact within the broader society. In this regard, it is the tone and use of language that enhances relationships between men and women.