Genderlect Theory, proposed by linguist Deborah Tannen, suggests that men and women speak in distinct dialects. It posits that understanding the differences in masculine and feminine communication styles can help prevent miscommunication between genders in relationships, families, and the workplace. While some critics argue the theory ignores issues of male dominance, proponents believe recognizing variations in how each gender communicates can improve understanding between them.

1. B R Y N N S T R E P P A
Things To Know About
Genderlect Theory

2. What is Genderlect Theory?
Simply put, Genderlect Theory suggests that women
and men speak in two distinct dialects.

3. Who?
Deborah Tannen is an author and linguistic professor
at Georgetown University, she is mainly responsible
for Genderlect Theory.

4. Different dialects…so what?
It’s important to understand the differences in
masculine and feminine dialects in order to prevent
miscommunication between the genders in the work
force, family life, and relationships.
So we can be like this!

5. Some disagree…
It’s not about the gender,
it’s about
who is in charge!
Tannen views the
differences between
men and woman as
always being
negative, which
it isnt!
You can’t ignore the
issues of male dominance
over females.

6. So…next time you hear these words from your significant
other…
Realize that the talking is
probably what’s causing
the problems in the first
place! It’s not your fault!
And then, as my dear friend Stephen Covey would say...
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”