Robin Tolmach Lakoff: You Are What You Say

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This activity contains 3 questions.

How many of Lakoff’s observations still hold true today? In what ways have things clearly changed? Can you cite some more contemporary examples of language differences between women and men?

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Brainstorm a list of as many generic terms as you can think of that are used to name or describe women today, along with a similar list for men. What do these terms suggest about levels of gender-based power or authority in the early 21st century?

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

In what ways are other kinds of groups defined by language? What sorts of terms do such groups use to describe themselves? Are outsiders expected to use the same language or not? Why?

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

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