Gender Differences in Language as Affected by Social Roles

Abstract

Variations in language, besides other factors, seem to be direct and significant products of gender variable. The
division of society into men and women, both being different and complex, is reflected in various forms in language which is the
most important means of communication among them. The article will focus on variations related to gender of speakers. It will
reveal differences that are found in the language of women and men, and will link these differences with the social roles that are
assigned to them in Albanian society (and other countries) as well as with the socio-cultural environment where they live. Hence
we will present gender-related pecularities that give insight into the position of women and their status. It appears that rules laid
upon them have made their language more hesitant, indirect and euphemistic. However, their speech inevitably reveals their
expressive and emotional nature especially while relating to their children.