Robin Lakoff (1975) - gender theory

Robin Lakoff created a list of female traits of language in 1975:

1. Hedges: phrases like 'sort of', 'kind of', or 'it seems like'.
2. Empty adjectives: 'diving', 'adorable', 'gorgeous'
3. Super-polite forms: 'would you mind if...', 'is it okay if...'
4. Apologise more: 'i'm sorry, but i think that...'
5. Speak less frequently
6. Avoid course language or expletives.
7. Tag questions: 'you dont mind eating that do you?'
8. Hyper-correct grammar and pronuncication: use of prestige grammar and clear articulation .
9. Indirect requests: 'i'm so thristy' - really asking for a drink.
10. Speak in italics: use tone to emphasis certain words, e.g. 'so', very', 'quite'.

The main critique to Robin Lakoff and her theory is that it cannot be applied to medern times as this was 40 years ago and is outdated and roled of women have changed and are now more equal. She also used phrases such as 'many men' in her findings which shows a lack off statistical evidence to back up her theory.