This module explores the role and place of gender in language and communication. It critically examines studies on children’s socialisation into gender roles, the assumed differences in male and female speech, and the role of power and dominance in cross-gender communication. We then move onto examining more recent research on the discursive construction of participant’s gender identity in interaction. We will also explore  the construction of gender and sexuality in talk and text and look at the relevance of gender in educational and institutional settings. 

• Describe and critically evaluate different approaches to the study of language and gender 

• Describe and critically evaluate the role of gender and sexuality in identity construction 

• Describe, exemplify and evaluate the constructive nature of talk and interaction in the formulation of gender and sexual identities 

• Describe, exemplify and evaluate the relevance of gender in a range of contexts 

• Analyse talk in single and mixed sex contexts 

• Sustain a critical argument relevant to the study of language and gender 

The module will be delivered through a mix of large group and small group sessions, including, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.   

• Reading and critically evaluating relevant published book chapters and journal articles on language, communication and gender 

• Discussing set readings on language, communication and gender (in seminars) 

• Collecting, transcribing (where relevant) talk and interaction from the perspective of gender 

• Analysing specific aspects of gender and language in a range of settings using published data sources 

• Writing an academic report and/or essay 

The assessment(s) for this module will be published in due course.

• Gender socialisation in childhood 

• Deficit, Dominance and Difference approaches to studying language and gender 

• Talk in all-female groups 

• Politeness, gossip and gender 

• Language and masculinities; organisation of men’s talk 

• Performing and constructing gender identities in talk and text 

• Language and sexuality 

• Language and gender in institutional settings 

• Language and gender in educational settings