Self-deprecating or Self-enhancing? ——A Study on Gender Differences in Chinese Self-mockery Speech Acts (20373)
Abstract: Self-mockery is a long-standing and unique speech act, but there has been little research on linguistic examination from the perspective of differentiation. We investigated the gender differences in self-mockery speech behaviors using questionnaire survey methods and quantitative analysis methods, and found that there were significant differences in the frequency of self-mockery use and attitude tendencies between women and men. Firstly, we found that men tend to use self -mockery language behaviors more frequently and tend to evaluate them positively or positively. On the contrary, women are more cautious and tactful in their attitude towards self-mockery, taking into account factors such as the gender and communication style of the interlocutor. Secondly, in specific situations, men's self -mockery strategies are more direct, and human nature in dialogue does not constitute the main consideration factor for men when using self-mockery. Meanwhile, men prefer to use self-mockery strategies in online environments and do not shy away from using physiological issues as self-mockery topics, but avoid behavioral issues. However, women tend to use self-mockery strategies more often when talking to same-sex people, and are less likely to self-deprecate online. In terms of topic selection, women tend to avoid physiological issues when mocking themselves, but have a strong preference for behavioral issues. In the end, we believe that men's cognitive bias towards self-mockery behavior belongs to "self-enhancing", while women's cognitive bias towards self-mockery behavior is more inclined towards "self-deprecating".