Gender Differences in Language Use

Abstract

Interaction between language and gender has always been one of the over-heated subjects in sociolinguistics. This study is an attempt to shed light on the gender differences in language use. It aims to examine three aspects of linguistic differences: interruption, tag questions, and the amount of talk. It also aims to suggest possible reasons behind the variation of language. To achieve this aim, the researchers used three episodes of a social program for data collection. The sample is five presenters in each episode from Libyan society. The outcome of this research shows that there are slight differences between men and women in using language. Furthermore, the results of the study reveal that men interrupt more in conversation as well as that they are more talkative. While women use tag questions more than men. In words, the gender factor can play an important role in linguistic differences.