Representation of Women's Language Features Used by Main Character in Mavka: The Forest Song Movie (2023)

Abstract

This study analyzes the use of female language in the dialogues and monologues of the main character, Mavka, in the film Mavka: The Forest Song (2023), utilizing Lakoff's theory of women's language and Eagly's concept of gender roles. The method employed is descriptive qualitative, examining 31 data points that encompass eight features of women's language: lexical hedges (7), tag questions (2), rising intonation (2), hypercorrect grammar (5), superpolite forms (1), intensifiers (9), empty adjectives (2), and emphatic stress (3). Certain features, such as avoidance of strong swear words and precise color terms, were not found. The analysis results indicate that Mavka more frequently uses polite language and avoids coarse words. Additionally, six features, including lexical hedges, tag questions, rising intonation, hypercorrect grammar, empty adjectives, and superpolite forms, reflect an inferior position, often indicating uncertainty, hesitation, or avoidance of confrontation by the main character. In contrast, four features, including intensifiers, emphatic stress, and lexical hedges, signify a superior position, reflecting confidence and assertiveness. Overall, Mavka's language reflects the duality of gender roles, illustrating the complexity of power dynamics and politeness within a socio-cultural context.

Keywords: Women’s Language, Gender, Gender Roles, Inferior, Superior