Explanations of women's linguistic behaviour

Some linguists claim that women use more standard forms because they are more aware of social status.

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An American study found that women who stayed at home preferred vernacular forms.

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Women may use more standard forms because they associate the prestigious variety with linguistic capital that increases their marketability.

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Women who work in factories prefer to use the more standard forms of language.

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One explanation for women preferring standard forms of language is due to society's expectations of them. Society expects 'better' behaviour from them.

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When mothers speak to children, they tend to use the standard forms of language.

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It could be argued that women use the more standard forms of language to avoid offending others.

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A group of Norwich men who were interviewed claimed that they prefer to use the more standard forms of language.

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Holmes and Wilson (2017) suggested that standard forms carry connotations of toughness and masculinity.

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Holmes and Wilson (2017) claim that only male speakers from the lower classes prefer to use the vernacular forms in less formal contexts.

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