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The Effect of Topic of Discussion on Gendered Language in Computer-Mediated Communication Discussion

University of East London

Gendered language in computer-mediated communication (CMC) is more than just a function of the gender of the participants because people are very flexible in the language style they use. In these studies, the use of gender-preferential language was examined in postings on public discussions where the topic was gender-stereotypical or gender-neutral. It was found that both men and women in discussions about gender-stereotypical topics were more likely to adhere to gender-based group norms and hence would use more gender-preferential language than in discussions about non-gender-stereotypical topics. The results of these two studies indicate that gendered language in CMC discussion is more a function of the context or topic of discussion than the gender of the participants.

Key Words: gender • computer-mediated communication • communication accommodation theory • social identity and deindividuation effect

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