Language, Gender, and Sexuality: An Introduction

Routledge Guides to Linguistics

by Scott F. Kiesling

Language, Gender, and Sexuality offers a panoramic and accessible introduction to the ways in which linguistic patterns are sensitive to social categories of gender and sexuality, as well as an overview of how speakers use language to create and display gender and sexuality. This book includes discussions of trans/non-binary/genderqueer identities, embodiment, new media, and the role of language and interaction in sexual harassment, assault, and rape. Drawing on an international range of examples to illustrate key points, this book addresses the questions



how language categorizes the gender/sexuality world in both grammar and interaction;



how speakers display, create, and orient to gender, sexuality, and desire in interaction;



how and why people display different ways of speaking based on their gender/sexual identities.

Aimed at students with no background in linguistics or gender studies, this book is essential reading for anyone studying language, gender, and sexuality for the first time.

Genres: Linguistics, Nonfiction

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2019

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this short textbook, Kiesling provides a rather thorough introductory work. Its thoroughness is in providing an overview of this of study rather than elaborating on it in great depth, which is obviously not possible in naught but 200 pages. For those who are new to the fields of linguistics and gender/sexuality studies this would be an ideal entry point. Likewise, if one is knowledgeable in one of those fields, this book will elucidate how they interact and inform each other in sociolinguistic study. If one is already informed in both fields, the book will have little new to say, but it is still possible to appreciate the concise thoroughness of this introductory overview, which is written in an easy-to-read style that would be very approachable for the layperson.

[Claire]

textbook for my class this term. Pretty good summary of the major issues, but we are also heavily supplementing on the linguistic side.

[Cameron Coombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to the linguistic study on gender and sexuality for the non-linguist or beginner. The tone is conversational and a very easy read. Reasonably generous bibliographies (for a book this size) follow each chapter.

[kt · Rating 4 out of 5]

honestly really good for a sociolinguistics intro. i was skeptical of the whole “language as a system of categorization” concept, but consider my mind changed! categorization ≠ stereotyping…