| Communication Theory | Genderlect Theory |
| Meaning | The meaning of this theory is connected to the assumption that women and men communicate differently. The premise is that because these genders use language differently, they should be regarded from a cross-cultural perspective. Hence, genderlect is a form of dialect used by different genders to communicate. |
| Invention | Initially, the theory of genderlect was introduced by Deborah Tannen in 1990 in the book “You just don’t understand.” Another work that created a foundation for genderlect is “Women and men speaking” by Kramarae, published in 1981. |
| Development | Genderlect was developed as part of Semiotic and Sociocultural traditions. The basis of this theory is a cross-cultural approach, suggesting that language is an integral part of a culture that helps interpret different signs and derive meaning from them. |
| Theory use in studies | The genderlect helps understand the different styles of communication and the specific language that these genders use. For instance, according to the theory, men and women use different dialects of the same language, which can lead to inconsistencies and misunderstandings. Women are more likely to communicate in order to connect with others and base their communication on emotions. Men usually engage in a conversation to achieve a special status, which is why they can be perceived as competitive and independent. In general, this theory helps understand the differences in how and why men and women communicate as well as what language structures they use to achieve their goals. |
| Practical application | The main application of this theory is establishing an understanding of how the difference in communication may lead to miscommunication, misunderstandings, and other issues. |
| Organization of information | According to genderlect, information is organized based on the reason for communication (rapport or connect), style, and language. |
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