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Let’s Stop Criticizing Young Women for How They Talk
Hey there! It’s time we chat about how young women communicate and why we need to stop judging them for it. You know what? Young women are actually leading the way when it comes to how language evolves. They’re the true trendsetters, even more so than historical figures like Shakespeare!
According to Gretchen McCulloch, who wrote for Quartz, a fascinating study from linguists at the University of Helsinki analyzed 6,000 letters dating back from 1417 to 1681. They identified 14 significant changes in language during that era, such as transitioning from “doth” to “does.” Interestingly, they found that women were usually ahead of men in adopting these changes—11 out of 14 times! The men who were ahead had better access to education.
McCulloch explains that this trend continues today. Young people, especially women, are the driving force behind linguistic innovation. From the way New Yorkers pronounce their “r” sounds to the “ch” in Panama, women are at the forefront. They also lead trends like uptalk and vocal fry, which often take a generation to reach men. Why? Because boys typically learn language from women, particularly their mothers. So, the way young mothers speak today will influence how the next generation communicates.
What’s more, women tend to be more socially aware and empathetic, which likely contributes to their ability to innovate linguistically. They often have broader social circles, exposing them to more diverse language trends.
So, why do we see so much criticism about how women talk? It all boils down to sexism. Society often views middle-aged white men as the authority on language. Their way of speaking becomes the standard, making everything else seem less articulate or confident.
Instead of responding harshly to critics, like that woman on the ferry who called out my friend for using “like,” a better comeback could have been, “I’m, like, an innovator.”
If you’re interested in similar topics, check out our post on home insemination techniques that can help you on your journey. Plus, for those seeking more resources, this guide from the CDC is a great place to learn about pregnancy and home insemination. Also, Make A Mom is a fantastic authority on this subject.
In summary, let’s celebrate the way young women communicate. Their unique styles are shaping the future of language, and instead of criticizing them, we should recognize their role as innovators.