Response to “Teacher’s Classroom Strategies Should Recognize that Men and Women Use Language Differently (by Deborah Tannen)”

Tannen is writing about how she recognised that men and women use language differently as well as how each gender respond to discussions in different occasions. In the process, she is also suggesting why such differences should be recognised. And I feel that I agree with her premise to a small extent.

I feel that I did not really manage to relate to her findings. Firstly, the culture that she is in is different. She quoted her colleague that challenging students’ comments is essential for developing the students’ mind and debating skills. Granted that it is true, it is not so widely applied here in Singapore, though. Experience tells me that dealing with what is in the syllabus, is the most important aspect of my education. Any question posed not in the syllabus will be deemed irrelevant and hence will not be answered. This very mind-set cannot and will not recognize the deviation in the way men and women use language.  And hence, the premise that it should be recognized is irrelevant.

I liked the way she used personal story and anecdote to present her premise. She did not explicitly tell her readers why they should adapt her method but rather, she narrated it in such a way that her readers can relate to. In this way, her readers would subconsciously nod in agreement to her points without her trying to argue for it. And I personally think that is an intelligent way of laying out your argument.

While her use of rather informal tone in presenting ideas served a very good purpose, I feel that she should still be cautious. Although her audience are the university professors, they can still be divided into a stratum: the very experienced and the otherwise. Those who have a great load of experience on hand might not be as receptive to the idea as those who are new to the academia. They might take it as a gesture and challenge to criticize their reputation and their way of teaching, compared to the new ones who would be more than glad to learn from others experiences. And the tone might be thought as disrespectful, as they might feel that they deserve a more formal approach (through hard facts, perhaps) rather than a mere conversation. 

Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg looks at why a smaller percentage of women than men reach the top of their professions -- and offers 3 powerful pieces of advice to women aiming for the C-suite.


I think the content of this video somehow reverberates what Tannen talked about in her article "Teacher's Classroom Strategies Should Recognize that Men and Women Use Language Differently" just in a different setting. This video mentions that men are more vocal when it comes to climbing up the ladder i.e. negotiating for promotion and salary compared to Tannen's account of men generally wanting to win a debate-like form of discussion.


Also just like Tannen, Sandberg uses personal anecdotes to present and reiterate her points. They both lay out their observations so as to substantiate their claims.


Personally, it is not really an issue for me whether women participation in the C-suite is very little. I believe that everyone of us has his own strength and weaknesses and that the definition of success is not just on how high one can climb in the corporate ladder. More women are just better in building a happy and intact home.

An Introduction

I realised that I have been posting here without even introducing myself first. And I find it rather impolite. So here it goes:

I am Leonard Kenneth Clerigo Barro, a first year undergraduate student. I am currently doing a double degree programme in Engineering and Economics. My home course is Industrial & Systems Engineering.

I come from the Philippines and I have been here in Singapore for five years now. I was recruited by the Ministry of Education under the ASEAN Scholarship scheme. I studied in Xinmin Secondary School and later on, in Catholic Junior College.

One of the reasons why I chose this module is that I thought there is no presentation required in this module. I am very shy and low spirited when it comes to presenting my ideas in front of a group of strangers. I am rather uncomfortable doing so. But anyhow, I will still do my best and take this daunting task a challenge.

I also know that I am weak in writing down my ideas; more so in organizing them. If possible, I would be more than willing to jot down whatever comes into my mind and present them in bullets. However, I know that that would not be even possible. Nevertheless, I would take this module with an open mind and work towards improving my self and challenging my limits.

Wish me luck!

What Role Does Gender Play In Communication?

The example used in this video reiterates Tannen's point in Status vs. Support (Can't We Talk) that men often find communication as a form of a contest or to show his status while women tend to talk when they want to exchange confirmation and support.

Difference between men and women (Clip from Friends)

Disclaimer: This video was taken from YouTube and in no way do I take ownership to it.