A multivariate investigation of perceptual attributions concerning gender appropriateness in language

Two stimulus tapes were created to manipulate male and female communicators' use of task and socioemotional behavior, pronunciation of-ing word endings, interruptions, amount of words, pitch, and intonation. To determine the source of perceptual attributions to male and female communicators, this study compared subjects' perceptions of male and female communicators who use gender-appropriate language features with perceptions of the same male and female communicators who use gender-inappropriate language features. Results indicate that regardless of whether they are used by a male or female communicator, “female” language features consistently contribute to the communicator's credibility; a communicator, regardless of gender, who uses “male” language features is consistently perceived as more extroverted. It was concluded that (1) communicators are differentially perceived as a consequence of linguistic features in their messages, rather than as a consequence of mere identification of source gender; (2) one's language should not be restricted by traditional sex-role prescriptions, but should be guided by situational appropriateness.

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