week 7 question 2

I believe that men and women use language differently in certain ways. Just like some of the examples in our book such as the scenario with Michael and his girlfriend, Michael’s friends ask whether it’s okay to come over to watch the game on Friday. Michael says, “sure.” When he tells his girlfriend, Alyssa, she’s upset-not because the friends are coming but because Michael didn’t consult her first. Had the situation been reversed, she would have asked.” I have to check with Mike” would have been a way for her to let others know that she’s part of a couple. For Michael, however, asking Alyssa implies he needs to get her permission. This scenario’s end result shows that as the women they would like to be more personal and included in everyday life even if it’s a small thing but as to men it may be showing to be needy. In our book it states from Deborah Tannen, “Women’s cultures, she belives, stresses intimacy and connection, whereas men’s culture values autonomy and individual achievement. These orientations affect men’s and women’s topics of conversation, their conversational styles, and their interpretation of one another’s meanings.” Our conversation does differ from relationship to relationship but overall the way we are raised are usually based on our gender. As a female my parents taught me to be more passive and a nurturer, especially being the oldest it has taught be to be responsible. My only brother was taught to be tough and strong and respectful. There’s a difference and it plays a big role in each lives.