Picking a fight - Macmillan article.

 http://www.macmillandictionaryblog.com/picking-a-fight

After reading this article, I'm starting to believe that language variation which is dependant on gender is actually down to performativity - I think that people use language in a way which is expected of them; which links in with convergence and divergence - people clearly adapt their speech dependant on situation; so maybe that's the reason men and women have different conversational styles?

They're expected to speak a certain way?! If a man was to adopt a more feminine style, people would make assumptions... and vice versa with women.

Are the differences ever so slight? maybe. They're significant enough to make a difference though.

The three main problems highlighted with gender differences in language: 

1) It's dependant on the situation.

2) Power and status.

3) The language we use is a choice.

 There are always going to be variables...

Locke's evolutionary model: "men and women talk differently because our male and female ancestors followed different evolutionary paths”> male verbal behaviour is characterised by ritualised displays of aggression and power > women weren't built this way. 

Of course, Locke's theory reinforces Judith Butler's performativity theory > people use language how they're expected to.