MAAL6034 Gender and language
COURSE TEACHER:
Dr. Sherman Lee
Email: sleehku@hku.hk
OVERVIEW
This course explores the role of gender in relation to the features exhibited in male and female linguistic practices.
AIMS
This course examines the impact of gender as a sociolinguistic variable in female and male speech. Students will learn the linguistic features associated with gender-specific speech in different communities, and examine the major theoretical and methodological approaches to the analysis of gender representation in language, particularly the role of language in shaping gender identities, and legitimising and contesting gender ideologies. Topics such as sexism and language use in different cultural contexts, and gender-based language reforms will also be addressed.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- describe and analyse the features of gendered linguistic patterns and practices;
- derive implications through evaluation of various theoretical approaches to the analysis of gendered practices in written, spoken and visual discourses; and
- establish a connection between such implications and linguistic patterns across different languages and speech communities.
KEY REFERENCES
- Angouri, J., & Baxter, J. (Eds.). (2021). The Routledge handbook of language, gender, and sexuality.
- Cameron, D. (2008). The myth of Mars and Venus: Do men and women really speak different languages? Oxford University Press.
- Coates, J. (2013). Women, men and everyday talk. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Coates, J. (2015). Women, men and language: A sociolinguistic account of gender differences in language (3rd ed.).
- Coates, J., & Pilcher, P. (2011). Language and gender: A reader (2nd ed.).Wiley-Blackwell.
- Eckert, P., & McConnell-Ginet, S. (2013). Language and gender (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
- Harrington, K., Litosseliti, L., Sauntson, H., & Sunderland, J. (2008). Gender and language research methodologies. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Ehrlich, S., Meyerhoff, M., & Holmes, J. (2014). The handbook of language, gender, and sexuality (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
- Kiesling, S.F. (2019). Language, gender, and sexuality: An introduction.
- Lakoff, R. T., & Bucholtz, M. (2004). Language and woman’s place: Text and commentaries (Rev. and expanded ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Litosseliti, L. (2006). Gender and language: Theory and practice. Hodder Arnold.
- Litosseliti, L., & Sunderland, J. (2002). Gender identity and discourse analysis. John Benjamins.
- Mills, S., & Mustapha, A.S. (Eds.). (2015). Gender representation in learning materials: International perspectives. Routledge.
- Saunston, H. (2020). Researching language, gender and sexuality: A student guide. Taylor & Francis Group.
- Sunderland, J. (2006). Language and gender: An advanced resource book. Routledge.
- Talbot, M. (2019). Language and gender (3rd ed.). Polity Press.
- Weatherall, A. (2002). Gender, language and discourse. Routledge.
Useful journals
- Journal of Sociolinguistics
- Gender and Language
- Sex Roles
- Language and Society
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
| Session | Topic |
| 1 | Gender in language studies: concepts and approaches |
| 2 | Sexism in language |
| 3 | Gender and talk / interaction / speech styles |
| 4 | Gender and language in media and advertising |
| 5 | Gender and language in education and children’s literature |
| 6 | Gender and institutional / workplace discourse |
ASSESSMENT An essay of 2,500 words (±10%)
Select one or two extracts of written, spoken or visual data from any form of media or advertising discourse/ English learning material/ English literature for children; analyse how gender identity is constructed and/or represented in your chosen material/episode(s) with reference to the concepts and/or approaches covered on the course. Further details of the assignment will be provided at the beginning of the course.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
The university does not tolerate any form of academic dishonesty, and cases of suspected plagiarism will be investigated and taken seriously. Students should bear the responsibility of checking their work carefully to ensure that sources are properly acknowledged and that APA citation and referencing format is adhered to before turning in their assignment.