Gender Differences in Language Use in Professional Settings: A Sociolinguistic Approach

Abstract

The study examines the issue of gender differences in language use in the workplace, considering how language is employed to convey gender identities and serve as a source of power relations within the workplace. It examines the language differences in patterns of communication between men and women in the workplace in Pakistan. With the help of a sociolinguistic approach, the study defines specific gendered language practices, their contributions to the evolution of professional relationships, and the overall effects of their influence on career advancement. It is a qualitative study with discourse analysis of workplace communication (meetings, emails, reports) and a survey of the professional attitudes to gendered communication. The results indicate that gender is a major factor in determining language, tone, and format of interaction at the workplace, supporting gendered norms and adding to gender inequalities. This paper aims to help readers understand the intersection of gender, language, and professionalism, and to gain experience in creating more inclusive and equitable work environments.

Keywords: Gender, Language Use, Professional Settings, Sociolinguistics, Communication, Gender Differences, Workplace, Power Dynamics