Gender Variations in the Use of Swear Words in Six Social Network Groups in the Meru Speech Community

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate genderlect in the use of swear words in the six social network groups in the Meru speech community. Sample was drawn from the following social network groups: boys ‘groups, girls ‘groups, men’s groups and women’s groups using judgmental sampling method. The difference theory by Deborah Tannen studied the analysis of the data. The study found out that boys and men use more swear words than girls and women in Kimeru. These differences are informed by different socialization of both males and females in the Meru culture. Women have been instructed in the proper ways of talking just as they have been instructed in the proper ways of dressing, in the use of cosmetics, and in other “feminine” kinds of behaviour. On the other hand men have been instructed in “masculine” kinds of behaviour.

Keywords: genderlect, social networks, swear words, socialization, masculine behaviour,,feminine,behaviuor