ENG527 Glossary

Genres

Conventional text types distinguished by typical content and internal organization. Genres may constrain verbal form or style in specific ways, such as the use of agentless passives in scientific articles.

Speech Events

Speech Events Instances of communication that are realized through genres. These events are characterized by their specific contexts and purposes.

Communicative Conventions

Rules and norms that regulate how conversation is conducted, including turn-taking, appropriate timing, and strategies for getting the floor.

Conversational Styles

Distinctive ways of engaging in conversation that reflect cultural, gender, or individual differences. These styles can be cooperative, supportive, competitive, or hierarchical.

Authentic Self

The concept that an individual's actions should align with their inner desires and truths, rather than external cultural norms.

Agency

The capacity of individuals to act intentionally and shape their desires and norms through practice.

Cultural Norms

Shared expectations and rules that guide behavior within a society.

Performative Identity

The concept that identity is created through repeated actions rather than pre-existing the actions.

Standpoint Theory

A feminist theory that emphasizes the importance of women's perspectives and experiences in scholarship.

Radical Feminism

A feminist movement that argues for the essential superiority of women's nature and challenges

Asymmetry

Asymmetry is a lack of equality or balance between two or more elements, leading to an uneven distribution or disparity.

Tomboy

A tomboy is a girl who exhibits behaviors and interests traditionally associated with boys, such as preferring sports or rough play.

Taboo

Taboo is a social or cultural prohibition or restriction against certain behaviors, practices, or discussions considered inappropriate or unacceptable.

Gender Ideology

Gender ideology is a system of beliefs and attitudes about the roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with different genders.

Gender Essentialism

Gender essentialism is the belief that men and women possess inherent characteristics and behaviors that define their gender, often based on biological or natural differences.

Habitus

Habitus is a set of habits, dispositions, and ways of thinking shaped by one's social environment and experiences.

Hegemony

Hegemony is the dominance of one group or state over others, often maintained through cultural, ideological, or political influence

Sarcasm

Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony where someone says the opposite of what they truly mean, typically to mock, criticize, or convey contempt.

Gender Stereotype

Gender stereotype is a generalized belief about the characteristics, roles, and behaviors typically associated with men and women.

Archetype

Archetype is the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies.

Power dynamics

Power dynamics refer to the ways in which power is distributed and exercised within relationships, groups, or organizations.

Grammatical Gender

Grammatical gender is a linguistic category that classifies nouns, pronouns, and adjectives into classes based on their association with masculine, feminine, or neuter forms. It influences agreement and usage within a language.

Rapport Talk (Women)

Rapport talk is a communication style typically associated with women that focuses on building relationships, sharing personal experiences, and fostering connection. It emphasizes empathy and emotional support.

Report Talk (Men)

Report talk is a communication style often linked to men that aims to convey information, assert knowledge, and achieve specific outcomes. It is more focused on sharing facts and solving problems.

Patriarchy

Patriarchy is a social system where men hold primary power and authority in political, economic, and familial structures, often leading to the dominance of men over women and reinforcing

Critical Discourse Analysis

Critical Discourse Analysis is an approach to studying language that examines how discourse (spoken or written communication) reflects, reinforces, or challenges power structures and social inequalities in society.

Sex Stereotypes

Sex stereotypes are preconceived and often rigid beliefs about the characteristics, roles, and behaviors appropriate for individuals based on their sex. These stereotypes can perpetuate traditional gender roles and inequalities.

Socio-Cultural Anthropology

Socio-Cultural Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures, focusing on understanding social practices, norms, and cultural beliefs through participant observation and ethnographic research.

Community of Practice

A Community of Practice is a group of people who share a common interest or profession and engage in collective learning through regular interaction and collaboration. This community supports the development of shared knowledge and skills.