The paper titled "Gender and Language Use in Saudi Arabian Online Forums: A Comparative Study of Male and Female Language Practices" focuses on examining the differences and similarities in language usage between male and female participants in Saudi Arabian online forums. The primary research question investigates how gender influences language practices in these digital communication spaces.
The purpose of the study is to explore the intersection of gender and language within the context of online communication in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, the study aims to understand how gender affects language usage in these forums and to provide insights that may inform gender-aware communication strategies and policies in the digital space.
The methodology employed in the study is a qualitative comparative research approach, utilizing content analysis to examine posts and comments from two Saudi Arabian online forums—Al Amal Forum and Hawaa World Forum. The data set consists of over 2000 threads comprising 8787 individual messages posted between 2018 and 2022. The analysis involved categorizing and coding emerging themes related to language use, discourse patterns, and communication styles, with multiple coders ensuring the reliability of the findings.
Key findings of the study reveal significant gender-based differences in language practices. Male participants are more likely to use assertive and direct language, prioritize standard Arabic, and focus on logical reasoning and structured arguments. In contrast, female participants tend to use polite and hesitant language, prefer regional dialects, and employ empathic and supportive expressions. Despite these differences, both genders demonstrated adherence to formal language use and the integration of Islamic values in their communication.
The study concludes that gender plays a crucial role in shaping language habits in Saudi Arabian online forums. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of gender dynamics in online communication within a unique socio-cultural context and suggest the need for further research to develop communication strategies that promote gender-inclusive and respectful discourse in digital platforms. The study highlights the importance of cultural awareness in language education and the potential for online forums to advance gender parity in communication practices.