DEFICIT THEORY

Created by

Carys Evans

Cards (13)

What is the deficit model?
Theory that the male way of speaking is the norm and the female departs from the norm. Assumes that women use powerless language, girls are socialised into using a special deferential style of speech called ‘women’s language’ to give way to men
what are the trends of female spoken language?
hedges
super polite forms
tag questions
italics
empty adjectives
hypercorrect grammar and punctuation
lacking humor
special lexicons
question intonation in declarative statements
what are the trends of male spoken language?
more direct style
interrupt more to hijack conversation or dominate
swear more
simplified vocabulary
better sense of humor
use more non standard forms with covert prestige
what are hedges?
’i guess so’ ‘kind of’ not very assertive and direct
examples of super polite forms
’would you mind?’
’excuse me’
examples of tag questions
cold out there, isn’t it?
used for reassurance and responses
what is speaking in italics?
tone, emphasising certain words for effect
what are empty adjectives?
Adjectives that don’t add any meaning
used to soften or make something friendly
what are lexicons?
special terms for things, more creative and abstract way of speaking
How did O’Barr and Atkins disprove the deficit theory?
Analysed transcripts of 150hrs of trials in North Carolina criminal court.
what were O’Barr and Atkins findings
women’s features are more frequent in female than male speech but are also linked to speakers social status and previous courtroom experience.
speakers using more tentative style are less likely to be believed regardless of gender
people who express themselves more assertively are viewed as more powerful, associated with male speech styles
low status relates to use of ‘powerless’ language
O’Barr and Atkins analysed transcripts from 1980, Lakoff presented the deficit model in 1975. women had more power in 1980
who theorised the deficit model?
Robin Lakoff in 1975