Language’ is based on biological sex, hence the hypothesis is that female-to-male (FtM) transgender individuals use the female register more than male-to-female (MtF) transgender individuals, even though FtM persons identify with the male gender. The two research questions in this study, that follow from those considerations, are, first, does the language of a transgender person change during sex change and/ or hormone treatment? Second, do MtF individuals use the female register more often than FtM individuals or vice versa?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Preliminary Considerations
- 2.1 The Female Register and Criticism of this Model
- 2.2 Different Perspectives: The Constructivist Model
- 2.3 Gender Non-Conformity
- 3. Analysis
- 3.1 Corpus and Method of Analysis
- 3.2 Results: Transgenderism and the Female Register
- 3.2.1 Hedges
- 3.2.2 Affective Adjectives
- 3.2.3 Swearwords
- 3.2.4 Intensifiers
- 3.3 Discussion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study investigates the relationship between transgender identity and language use, specifically examining whether transgender individuals utilize elements traditionally associated with the "female register" as defined by Lakoff (1973). The research aims to determine if language use changes during sex change/hormone treatment and whether there are differences in the female register's use between male-to-female (MtF) and female-to-male (FtM) transgender individuals.
- The application and critique of Lakoff's "female register" model in the context of transgender identities.
- The influence of gender identity and hormone treatment on linguistic choices.
- Comparative analysis of language use between MtF and FtM transgender individuals.
- Examination of specific linguistic features, including hedges, affective adjectives, swear words, and intensifiers.
- Discussion of the broader implications for understanding gender and language.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of gender's influence on social life and language, particularly focusing on the traditional binary model and the concept of a "female register" as initially proposed by Lakoff. It highlights the limitations of this binary model in light of evolving understandings of gender and introduces the study's focus on transgender individuals and their language use, posing two key research questions: does language change during transition, and how does register use differ between MtF and FtM individuals? The introduction establishes the context and rationale for the research, setting the stage for a deeper investigation into the complexities of gender and language.
2. Preliminary Considerations: This chapter provides a critical review of Lakoff's "female register" and its subsequent critiques. It details Lakoff's original hypothesis, outlining the characteristics she associated with women's language, including lexical choices, discourse particles, and intonation patterns. The chapter then presents various studies that either supported or challenged Lakoff's claims. This critical analysis provides a foundation for understanding the complexities of gendered language and lays the groundwork for the study's methodology and interpretation of findings by providing context for interpreting the findings related to transgender individuals' language use.
3. Analysis: This chapter details the methodology and findings of the study. It outlines the corpus used and the specific methods of analysis employed to examine the presence of features associated with the female register in the language of transgender individuals. The results section presents a detailed breakdown of the findings concerning hedges, affective adjectives, swear words, and intensifiers, comparing usage between MtF and FtM individuals. This comprehensive analysis forms the core of the research, providing empirical evidence to address the research questions posed in the introduction.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Transgenderism, female register, gender identity, language use, linguistic analysis, hedges, affective adjectives, swear words, intensifiers, Lakoff, gender non-conformity, MtF, FtM, corpus linguistics, qualitative research.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study of Transgender Identity and Language Use
What is the main focus of this study?
This study investigates the relationship between transgender identity and language use. Specifically, it examines whether transgender individuals utilize elements traditionally associated with the "female register" as defined by Lakoff (1973), exploring whether language use changes during transition and if there are differences between male-to-female (MtF) and female-to-male (FtM) individuals.
What are the key themes explored in this research?
Key themes include the application and critique of Lakoff's "female register" model in the context of transgender identities; the influence of gender identity and hormone treatment on linguistic choices; a comparative analysis of language use between MtF and FtM transgender individuals; and an examination of specific linguistic features like hedges, affective adjectives, swear words, and intensifiers. The broader implications for understanding gender and language are also discussed.
What is the structure of the study?
The study is structured into three main chapters: An introduction establishing the context and research questions; preliminary considerations, critically reviewing Lakoff's "female register" model and its critiques; and an analysis chapter detailing the methodology, corpus, analysis methods, and findings regarding the use of specific linguistic features by MtF and FtM individuals.
What methodology was used in this study?
The study utilizes corpus linguistics and qualitative research methods to analyze the language used by transgender individuals. The specific methods for analyzing hedges, affective adjectives, swear words, and intensifiers are detailed in the analysis chapter.
What are the key findings of the study?
The core findings, presented in the analysis chapter, detail the presence or absence of features associated with the "female register" in the language of MtF and FtM individuals. The study compares the usage of hedges, affective adjectives, swear words, and intensifiers between these two groups.
What are the limitations of Lakoff's "female register" model as discussed in this study?
The study critically examines Lakoff's original hypothesis and presents various studies that either supported or challenged her claims. This critique highlights the limitations of applying a binary model of gender to understand language use, especially in the context of transgender identities.
What are the key words associated with this study?
Key words include: Transgenderism, female register, gender identity, language use, linguistic analysis, hedges, affective adjectives, swear words, intensifiers, Lakoff, gender non-conformity, MtF, FtM, corpus linguistics, qualitative research.
What are the research questions addressed in this study?
The study primarily addresses two key research questions: Does language use change during gender transition? and How does the use of the "female register" differ between MtF and FtM transgender individuals?
What is the overall contribution of this research?
This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between gender identity, language use, and the limitations of traditional models of gendered language. It provides empirical evidence to inform discussions about gender and language in the context of transgender experiences.
- Quote paper
- Sina Nachtrub (Author), 2019, Transgenderism and the Female Register. A Gender-Differentiating Analysis of the Female Register among Trans Men and Trans Women, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1005446
