Lexical Features of Gendered Language on Facebook: A Qualitative Analysis

This study on exploring the lexical features of gendered language on Facebook is a qualitative analysis on how the use of gendered language differs in terms of word compounds and blends, abbreviations and acronyms, creative use of punctuation and stylized spelling. In-depth understanding on how male and female use language in Facebook was investigated with a purposive sampling of 90 status updates taken from the posts of respondents who are enrolled in one of the premier public high schools in Northern Philippines. General Features of Netlingo by Thurlow, Lengel and Tomic (2003) was utilized as a basis to look into how the use of gendered language differs in terms of word compounds and blends, abbreviations and acronyms, creative use of punctuations and stylized spelling. Results show that a person's Facebook social network has an impact on how they utilize language. Their use of creativity and resourcefulness is evident in the language they employ in their writings. Furthermore, Facebook status updates allow both men and women to publish information about their everyday activities, including what they were doing and what was happening in their lives at the time, in addition to expressing their emotions. Therefore, in order to foster youth empowerment, gender-neutral language, and awareness of cyberbullying, it is advised that teachers and students participate in training and seminars on maintaining cultural and linguistic preservation as part of the curriculum. This will strengthen their communication skills and foster a deeper understanding of one another.