Some Russian linguists note the necessity to take into consideration the characteristic features of the language used in the observed communicative process during the investigation of gender peculiarities in speech behavior (Kirillina 1999). The peculiarities of a language, its expressive means, are undoubtedly important. It has been noted that in the English language there is a frequent usage of diminutive nominations in the speech of feminine women (Homberger 1993). Some scientists suggest that the use of non-agentive constructions (passive voice, etc.) is also a characteristic of the speech of feminine women. However, it is known that in the Russian language non-agentive constructions are quite productive and used by individuals of all gender subcultures (Kirillina 1999). These considerations also involve the use of diminutive forms, e.g. in the names of food and in some communicative situations: in formulas of treating and buying food, in the conversation of a doctor with a patient (Zemskaya, Kitajgorodskaya, Rosanova 1993).
In the opinion of A. Kirillina, the characteristic peculiarities of a language can be also examined through the aspect of gender metaphor: "manly" and "womanly" languages. But this arouses some objection. "Masculinity" and "manliness" are not equal terms. "Masculinity" is exclusively gender category; "manliness" is a notion of morality. Not every man, not even very masculine man, manifests manliness. At the same time, a feminine woman can possess a manly soul, psychologists testify. That is why it is impossible to agree with O. Rjabov (1997) who says that gender is comprehended in terms of "manliness" and "womanliness". A. Vezhbitskaya, analysing characteristic features of the Russian language, underlines the following features:
- Expressiveness:
- brightly expressed accent on feelings and their free expression, high emotional tension of the Russian language, richness in language means for the expression of emotions and shades of emotions;
- Irrationality:
- in opposition to the so-called scientific opinion, the emphasis on the insufficiency of logical thinking, human knowledge and understanding, unexpectedness and incomprehensibility of life;
- Non-agentivity:
- a feeling that life is beyond human power, that the human ability to control daily events is restricted; a tendency of the Russian towards fatalism, meekness and resignation;
- Love of the moral:
- absoluteness in the moral measures of human life, accent on the struggle of good and evil, love to extreme, and categorical speculations.
Citation Guidelines
Innokentjeva, Sardana, "Communication from the Point of View of Gender", page 2, translated by I.A. Abolentseva, Cross-Cultural Communication: International Communication, Proceedings of the Mirny Regional Scientific-Practical Conference on Inter-Cultural Communication: Issues of Politics, History, Language and Literature (27-28 April 2002), Mirny Polytechnic Institute and Sakha (Yakutsk) State University, edited by S.A. Mousalimas, 2002, available at http://www.OxfordU.net/mirny_international-2002/students/innkentyeva02.html.