YOUTH LANGUAGE AND GENDER: HOW LANGUAGE USE DIFFERS BETWEEN YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN

Abstract

This article examines the linguistic differences between young men and women, exploring how gender influences language use among youth. Youth
language, characterized by its dynamic, innovative, and informal nature, reflects group identity and resistance to adult norms. Gender plays a significant role in
shaping these linguistic patterns, influencing speech styles, vocabulary, and nonverbal communication. By analyzing theoretical perspectives on gender and
language, this article highlights how young men and women express gender through their language choices. The article also contrasts women’s more
collaborative and expressive speech with men’s direct and assertive style, and explores variations in slang and nonverbal cues. The impact of social media and
digital communication on gendered language use is also considered, showing how digital platforms both challenge and reinforce traditional gender roles. The
study employed a qualitative method based on the results of interviews and focus groups with 30 young men and women, offering insights into how they
perceive and express gender through language in daily interactions. The article concludes with a reflection on the evolving nature of gendered language norms
and suggests areas for future research, emphasizing the importance of understanding gender diversity in shaping language among youth.