Studies show that males and females speak differently. The linguistic forms that males and females use are quite different – although to different extents – in various speech communities. Similarly, the linguistic behaviors of both males and females also differ. Males and females do not speak in similar ways as one another in all communities. In some societies, it is possible to find one language being spoken by both males and females; nevertheless, certain linguistic aspects occur only in females’ speech or in those by males. As such, it is right to say that there are linguistic differences that relate to both male and female genders; this is based on the politeness of the languages, vocabularies, use of expressions, grammar, use of standard or vulgar vernacular slangs, following rules of conversations, and much more.
Most scholars argue that females tend to be more linguistically polite as compared to their male counterparts. For example, both males and females put a lot of stress on specific speech terms in their daily talks. Moreover, females tend to be less forceful. Even though this is not usually the case, looking at prominent TV personalities such as the Ellen show, hosted by Ellen, we see that in most of her utterances, she repeatedly mentions the term “please.” And, she is usually very kind and considerate to her audience.
Similarly, studies have shown that females are more likely than males to include certain vocabularies in their speeches constantly. On a day to day basis, we see that most females and female TV personalities usually include certain vocabularies in their speech. For example, some of the most common terms include; “such.” You are more likely to hear females use this term frequently in their statements. For example, appreciating most of her guests, Ellen would always say, “such an amazing person!” “Such an amazing talent!” The use of such terms shows the polite and good behaviors of most females as far as their use of language is concerned. On the contrary, the male language is usually full of commanding and directives; it is often impolite. You can hear males making comments such as “Yeah, yeah. Whatever…” when they see something good from others or notice they are losing an argument.
To add on, we watch talk shows hosted by women, for instance, Oprah Winfrey Show, Wendy Williams Show; they tend to come up with loud expressions to show their amazement at some of the news they hear or things they see from their guests or audiences. For example, to express their shock, they can develop expressions such as “Oh, my God!” On the other hand, males tend not to express their shock or amazements evidently. Looking at hosts such as Jimmy Fellon, instead of using such expressions, they mostly say, “my goodness!” “That is incredible!” when disappointed, they tend to use vernacular slangs such as “shit!” something that is rarely heard from females.
Again, males always tend not to respond to everything that other speakers say. This is something that females always ensure they do; however short or long the comments from the other speakers are, they always ensure that they respond appropriately. On their end, males would use terms such as “mhm” “right.” This is maybe a way of ensuring that they cut short the communication or show the opposing speakers that whatever they are saying has been heard and that they have understood the message they are trying to pass around. The use of such terms is referred to as “minimal responses.” With such terms, it is right to say those male speakers always like dismissing other speakers and dominating their speeches. Usually, we can see speakers such as Jimmy Fellon and Steve Harvey interrupting their guests while still speaking. In doing this, they are violating the rules of taking part in proper and fair conversations.
To add on, looking at mixed-sex conversations between men and women – especially in shows hosted by men – we often see men using every available trick they can get their hands on to try and dominate and control the topics of discussions or their conversations with the females. The worst thing is that males usually succeed in controlling and dominating these conversations because, in most cases, women do not protest. In their conversations, male talk show hosts can constantly interrupt their female guests without being questioned. This means that controlling conversations and interruptions is associated with the male language.
In conclusion, it is right to say that there are evident differences between the languages used by males and females. These differences can be seen in the vocabularies, vulgar slangs, how polite the languages are, vocabulary, expressions, and several other features that each gender uses while talking. For instance, you will find that women use very polite language as opposed to their male counterparts. Furthermore, males tend to dominate and be in charge of their conversations.