GENDER AND LANGUAGE USE IN SAUDI ARABIAN ONLINE FORUMS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MALE AND FEMALE LANGUAGE PRACTICES

Abstract

Over the last several years, one main topic of discussion in Saudi Arabian Internet forums has been the linguistic patterns shown by male and female users. This comparative study examined how male and female members in these online forums used language similarly and differently. The research examined information obtained from a selection of posts made in online discussion groups, including direct quotations and abridged versions of the members’ posts. According to the results, male participants were more likely to use assertive language, prioritize standard Arabic, and use logical and reasoned expressions. In contrast, female participants had a greater propensity to use polite and hesitant language, prefer regional dialects, and employ empathic and supporting expressions. These results add to our knowledge of the intersection of gender and language usage in the context of online communication and shed light on the role that gender plays in determining online communication patterns in Saudi Arabia. Additional studies in this area may assist in shaping communication strategies and policies that encourage gender-aware and inclusive online discourse in Saudi Arabia, which is an area that requires further investigation. Keywords: Gender, Language Use, Saudi Arabia, Online Forums DOI： https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.5.31