Transcript Language, Gender and Culture

Language, Gender and Culture
Tannen “His Politeness Is Her Powerlessness”
&
Brooks “Honor Code”
Gender Communication Survey
How much do you know about how men and women
communicate with one another? The twenty items in
this questionnaire are based on research conducted in
classrooms, private homes, businesses, offices,
hospitals- the places where people commonly work and
socialize. If you think a statement is generally an
accurate description of female and male
communication patterns, mark it true. If you think it’s
not an accurate description, mark it false. Then check
your score to determine your communications quotient.
Vocabulary Chart
Using the vocabulary and synonym table, review
the list of key vocabulary words for each author,
checking off any words and/ or their synonyms you
know (meaning you would recognize and
understand these words if you saw them in another
context). Then, working individually or in pairs,
brainstorm additional synonyms in the far right
column. You can find synonyms using a number of
resources: ask a classmate, use your cell phone to
find definitions, use electronic or print dictionaries,
or search on a classroom computer for acceptable
synonyms.
Reading & Annotating Brooks
Read David Brooks’ article “Honor Code” silently,
annotating (3-4 per page) any particular points of
interest or noting any places that need clarification;
then answer the following questions about it:
1.Looking back at the predictions you made based on
the first two paragraphs you analyzed in the pre-reading
activities, which of your predictions turned out to be
true? What surprised you? If your prediction was
inaccurate, what words or phrases in the text misled
you?
2.What do you find confusing or interesting about this
text? Choose a passage to react to.
3.Write a single sentence in your own words that states
Brooks’s argument.
Mapping the Organizational Structure
Create an idea map of Brooks’ article, putting the main ideas
into bubbles with supporting ideas, evidence, and examples
connected to those bubbles.
Reading and Annotating Tannen
Read Deborah Tannen’s article, “His Politeness is Her
Powerlessness” silently, annotating (3-4 per page) any
particular points of interest or noting any places that
need clarification; then answer the following
questions about it:
1.
2.
3.
Looking back at the predictions you made based on the first two
paragraphs you analyzed in the pre-reading activities, which of your
predictions turned out to be true? What surprised you? If your
prediction was inaccurate, what words or phrases in the text misled
you?
What do you find confusing or interesting about this text? Choose a
passage to react to.
Write a single sentence in your own words that states Tannen’s
argument.
Thinking Critically Questions
Questions about Logic (Logos)
1.What is Tannen claiming, specifically
about male and female behavior?
2.What is Brooks arguing? Is his argument
limited to boys?
3.Why does Tannen focus her discussion
on women?
4.Why does Brooks focus his discussion
on boys?
Questions about the Writer (Ethos)
5. What does Tannen’s style and language tell
the reader about her?
6. What does Brooks’s style and language tell the
reader about him?
7. Do the authors appear to be treating the issue
seriously? Does Brooks or Tannen seem to be
more serious?
Questions about Emotions (Pathos)
8. Do you think Tannen is trying to manipulate the
readers’ emotions? In what ways? At what
points?
9. Do you think Brooks is trying to manipulate the
readers’ emotions? In what ways? At what
points?
What We Wish You Knew About Us…
Gather together, in two groups, guys on one side and
girls on the other. Brainstorm and develop a list of
things that you wish the opposite gender knew about
your gender; think about dispelling stereotypes and
rumors or giving advice. Your comments can be funny
and serious. Choose one person to record your
thoughts and one to be your spokesperson.
Observing People
Your homework is to watch three different kinds of
conversations (male-female, female-female, adultstudent, multiple person conversation, etc.) and take
notes on what you observe. Don’t be a creeper, but
observe a conversation that you are not a part of so
you can be objective. Fill in your notes and
observations on the handout and turn in next class
period.