LANGUAGE STYLE OF MALE AND FEMALE SPEAKERS AT WASHINGTON WOMEN’S MARCH

Abstract

In many aspects of life, there are differences between male and female: among
them are the different ways in speaking. Maleand female talk differently. Their speech may
differ in many linguistic aspects such as lexical items, sentence constructions, and semantic
preferences.
Aim: This study aims to analyze language style of male and female speakers at Washington
Women‘s March.
Method: This study used qualitative approach to analyze the phenomenon in a natural setting.
With regard to the language style of male and female speakers, the writer analyzed 4 (four)
male and 4 (four) female speakers at the Washington Women‘s March. The analysis was
based on the theory of Tannen about points of differences between male and female language
style. The points include status vs support, order vs proposal, independence vs intimacy,
information vs feeling, advice vs understanding, and conflict vs compromise. It also used
Holmes‘s theory to reveal the social factors and dimensions of the speakers.
Result: The study reveals that gender differences affect the language style of male and female
speakers. Male speakers tend to show their status by telling others what to do, while female
speakerspursue intimacy by looking for support. This is influenced by social factors and
social dimensions.
Conclusion: Based on the study, it can be concluded that male and female have difference in
many linguistic aspects. One of the differences is evident in the style of their speech, which is
known through the influence of some social factors and dimensions.