Testability of Robin Likaf's theory of language and gender with Shagshaghieh's sermon and Fadakieh's sermon

This study examines language and gender in the sermons of Shaqshaqiya and Fadakiyya through the lens of Robin Lakoff’s gender linguistics theory. Lakoff’s theory emphasizes the role of language in representing gender differences and the ways individuals are empowered or constrained through lexical choices and styles of expression. Using discourse analysis and a descriptive-analytical approach, this research investigates the modes of expression of Imam Ali (AS) and Lady Fatimah (SA) in these two sermons.

The findings indicate that vocabulary selection, sentence structure, and message delivery in these sermons function to reinforce social and religious gender roles and implicitly influence power relations. According to Lakoff’s perspective, women differ from men in speech and writing by using precise color terms, polite forms, intensifiers, empty adjectives, indirect speech, avoidance of vulgarity and taboo words, and emphasis on intensifiers. However, a comparison of the use of color terms, taboo words, intensifiers, adjectives, and mitigators in the two sermons reveals no significant differences, challenging Lakoff’s theory and suggesting these sermons do not conform to it. Notably, in the case of oaths, Imam Ali’s use exceeds that of Lady Fatimah.

Results demonstrate that, contrary to Lakoff’s view, her theory is not applicable to the sermons of Shaqshaqiya and Fadakiyya. Statistical analysis of each linguistic feature shows that the linguistic similarity between male and female sermons may reflect multiple cultural, social, and educational influences within a specific society. This research not only provides a comprehensive analysis of gendered language in religious texts but also opens avenues for further studies on gender representation in historical and religious discourses.



تکرار



This study examines language and gender in the sermons of Shaqshaqiya and Fadakiyya through the lens of Robin Lakoff’s gender linguistics theory. Lakoff’s theory emphasizes the role of language in representing gender differences and the ways individuals are empowered or constrained through lexical choices and styles of expression. Using discourse analysis and a descriptive-analytical approach, this research investigates the modes of expression of Imam Ali (AS) and Lady Fatimah (SA) in these two sermons.

The findings indicate that vocabulary selection, sentence structure, and message delivery in these sermons function to reinforce social and religious gender roles and implicitly influence power relations. According to Lakoff’s perspective, women differ from men in speech and writing by using precise color terms, polite forms, intensifiers, empty adjectives, indirect speech, avoidance of vulgarity and taboo words, and emphasis on intensifiers. However, a comparison of the use of color terms, taboo words, intensifiers, adjectives, and mitigators in the two sermons reveals no significant differences, challenging Lakoff’s theory and suggesting these sermons do not conform to it. Notably, in the case of oaths, Imam Ali’s use exceeds that of Lady Fatimah.

Results demonstrate that, contrary to Lakoff’s view, her theory is not applicable to the sermons of Shaqshaqiya and Fadakiyya. Statistical analysis of each linguistic feature shows that the linguistic similarity between male and female sermons may reflect multiple cultural, social, and educational influences within a specific society. This research not only provides a comprehensive analysis of gendered language in religious texts but also opens avenues for further studies on gender representation in historical and religious discourses.