Language, communication and society: a gender based linguistics analysis (2007.06908v1)

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to find evidence for supporting the hypothesis that language is the mirror of our thinking, our prejudices and cultural stereotypes. In this analysis, a questionnaire was administered to 537 people. The answers have been analysed to see if gender stereotypes were present such as the attribution of psychological and behavioural characteristics. In particular, the aim was to identify, if any, what are the stereotyped images, which emerge in defining the roles of men and women in modern society. Moreover, the results given can be a good starting point to understand if gender stereotypes, and the expectations they produce, can result in penalization or inequality. If so, the language and its use would create inherently a gender bias, which influences evaluations both in work settings both in everyday life.