GENDER-SPECIFIC LEXICAL UNITS AND SPEECH STEREOTYPES IN CONTEMPORARY LANGUAGE
Keywords:
Gendered language, Lexical units, Speech stereotypes, Sociolinguistics, PragmaticsAbstract
This study explores gender-specific lexical units and speech stereotypes in both spoken and written communication. The research analyzes how men and women differ in their choice of words, sentence structures, and conversational strategies, reflecting social and cultural expectations. Data were collected through audio recordings, written texts, and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Results indicate that female speakers tend to use emotive, polite, and hedged expressions, while male speakers prefer assertive, action-oriented, and concise language. Speech stereotypes, such as tag questions and supportive phrases for women versus directive statements for men, were observed across contexts. The findings highlight the role of language in reinforcing gender norms and suggest that gendered linguistic patterns are influenced by social, cultural, and situational factors
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