Robin Lackoff

As my investigation could be based on comparing the language of different genders, I am looking at possible theories I can include in my analysis.

 Robin Lackoff published a set of basic assumptions about women’s language.

Hedge: using phrases like “sort of”, “kind of”, “it seems like”, and so on.

Use (super) polite forms: “Would you mind...”, “I'd appreciate it if...”, “...if you don't mind”.

Use tag questions: “You're going to dinner, aren't you?”

Speak in italics: intonational emphasis equal to underlining words - so, very, quite.

Use empty adjectives: divine, lovely, adorable, and so on

Use hypercorrect grammar and pronunciation: English prestige grammar and clear enunciation.

Use direct quotation: men paraphrase more often.

Have a special lexicon: women use more words for things like colours, men for sports.

Use question intonation in declarative statements: women make declarative statements into questions by raising the pitch of their voice at the end of a statement, expressing uncertainty. For example, “What school do you attend? Eton College?”

Use “wh-” imperatives: (such as, “Why don't you open the door?”)

Speak less frequently

Overuse qualifiers: (for example, “I think that...”)

Apologise more: (for instance, “I'm sorry, but I think that...”)

Use modal constructions: (such as would, should, ought to - “Should we turn up the heat?”)

Use indirect commands and requests: (for example, “My, isn't it cold in here?” - really a request to turn the heat on or close a window)

Use more intensifiers: especially so and very (for instance, “I am so glad you came!”)

Lack a sense of humour: women do not tell jokes well and often don't understand the punch line of jokes.