ABSTRACT

 Gender difference in language has always been the center of people’s attention. This paper examines the linguistic gender differences in the dialog of Pride and Prejudice. The differences in syntax and grammar, vocabulary and idiom as well as interest and topic between man and woman are mainly discussed. It also discusses the causes from physiological, psychological and social factors.

In physiological aspect, woman’s vocal cord is softer and finer than man’s, which helps forms their sound characteristics in conversation. What can be seen from psychological aspect is that girls’ mind grows faster than boys during adolescence, which indirectly forms their sensitive and emotional characteristic. As a result, they are good users of euphemism and politeness compared to boys. On the other hand, social customs and social expectations are putting pressure on woman to be conventional, training girls to listen to others in conversation, which reflects gender inequality in language. In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, several suggestions are put forward. Speakers should learn to accept gender differences and respect others’ conversational pattern. Changing their roles in conversation according to different cases is also recommended. 

Key words:  gender difference, language, Pride and Prejudice, factor, suggestion

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-1

Chapter Two  LITERATURE REVIEW-3

2.1 Research Abroad-3

2.2 Research At Home-4

Chapter Three  ANALYSIS OF THE PRIDE AND PREJUDICE-6

3.1 Pride and Prejudice-6

3.2 Research Method and Procedure-7

Chapter Four  DISCUSSION-8

4.1 Difference in Grammar and Syntax-8

4.2 Difference in Vocabulary and Idiom-9

4.3 Difference in Interest and Topic-10

4.4 Factors-12

4.4.1 Physiological Factor-12

4.4.1 Psychological Factor-12

4.4.2 Social Factor-13

Chapter Five  CONCLUSION-14

REFRENCES-15