Abstract

Language as a social phenomenon is generated in the development of human society. It is like a mirror, reflecting the progress of human society. Women is part of the social life, in the history, their social status is constantly changing. It has a vivid performance in woman’s speech. The capacity of woman decides the female’s position and role in social production. Besides, the change of woman's language in largely reflects the whole change of the society. As the linguistics research category, woman’s speech is bound to be reflected in the use of language. What’s more, it is also closely related to people's daily life. So, woman's speech is not only the direct and systematic projection in social relationships, but also reflects the cultural, political, economic factor. From the perspective of sociolinguistics, this paper gives a comprehensive description of the features about female language and summarizes the research abroad in this field, then analyzes the evolution of the woman’s speech in English as well as the change of their social status, and finally lists the factors bring about the change.

Key words: sociolinguistic perspective, woman's speech, evolution, social status

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1.Introduction.1

2. The research of female language at home and abroad1

3. The features of woman's speech2

  3.1 Using accurate and specific vocabulary.3

3.2 Not commonly using abusive words.3

3.3 Using reduplication words.3

3.4 Talking with exaggerated language4

4. The characteristics of women’s speech in the 19th and 20th century4

4.1 Pronunciation and intonation5

4.2 Vocabulary.6

4.3 Syntax6

5. The change of women’s social status and the factors bring about the change.7

5.1 External factors9

5.1.1 Political status10

5.1.2 Economical status10

5.1.3 Educated degree.11

5.2 Internal factors.12

6. Conclusion.13

Works Cited15