Men’s and Women’s Language Features in “Enola Holmes 2” Movie

Abstract

This study examines the portrayal of gendered language in the film Enola Holmes 2. The study focuses on identifying linguistic differences between male and female characters that reflect their gender identities and social positions. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, and data were collected by transcribing selected dialogue from the film manually. The analysis draws on Lakoff’s (2004) theory of women's language and Coates's (2013) theory of men's language. The findings reveal noticeable differences in the linguistic patterns used by male and female characters, which are shaped by contextual and social influences. Female characters frequently use hedges, tag questions, intensifiers, and highly polite expressions, indicating emotional involvement and relational sensitivity. In contrast, male characters tend to use direct commands, brief responses, and assertive questioning strategies that reflect authority and a focus on status. These patterns suggest that the film represents and subtly questions conventional gender norms. Overall, this study contributes to sociolinguistic discussions on gender by demonstrating how cinematic dialogue can reinforce and reshape perceptions of gender identity in popular culture simultaneously.