The Myth of Mars and Venus: Do men and women really speak different languages

Deborah Cameron really hit the mark on this one. She details the myth that men and women speak "different" languages, and produces sharp and detailed evidence for why it is just a myth. Yet, her book remains emminently readable and entertaining.I can see this book as having a wide target audience--from the average lay person who wants an entertaining and informative read, to the avid linguist. The only regret I had at the end of the book was that it was over, and I couldn't read more of it!

Great approach to dismantling stereotypes placed on both genders.

[...]The excerpt is an excellent critique of the Mars/Venus gendered communication styles, with an instructive discussion of an investigation of a sexual assault case at a university. Incisive and insightful analysis and writing.edit of July 29, 2013: I had posted an excerpt from the book that was apparently removed by Amazon and replaced by the [...]; oh well...

Anyone who thinks they know anything about communication styles should read this book. It debunks all myths about male-female communication issues, and does so definitively.

Was used as a text book in a Gender Studies class. Interesting points made and highly recommended

A great book for those, who like me,are interested in language and gender

Wut.

Gender essentialism- the idea that men are men and women are women, and never the twain shall meet- is one of the base problems in the lives of everyone human. Women, men and especially those of us who float somewhere between the two essentialist poles are badly served by the conviction- in politics, economics, civil rights, and everything else- that gender is perforce binary.The "Mars and Venus" trope accepts this premise, and the idea that men and women are by our very natures utterly incomprehensible to each other.This book proves them wrong, in a short, very readable, and generously documented way. Although succinct, it is also quite thorough, which I (having taken a class in rhetoric and sex roles over 35 years ago) appreciated.Cameron points out that despite the brouhaha around gender differences in communication, in actuality there is far, far more overlap between the genders than differences. men and woman not only do understand each other almost all the time, but can be proven to do so.Personally, I found it interesting to learn which of the studies I read in that long-ago class were supported by more recent work, and which were not.Not only is this relevant to most of our personal lives, but also to public policy when it comes to dealing with sexual violence and other sexual harassment.Very recommended!

Incredibly brilliant book, makes me want to read on. Perfect especially for English Language A Level students wanting to revise gender. I would certainly recommend it.

An interesting book- great for anyone wanting to look further into language and gender

Every person should read this book! It is an informed response to "Men are from Mars...," - the book to which its title refers. John Gray's book is sexist nonsense designed to keep women in their place by arguing that we are socially different because of biological differences. Deborah Cameron provides strong evidence for the contrary and writes is a style that is clear and pleasing to read.

I loved this book. I've always subscribed to the theory 'that women are from earth men are from earth, get over it' so maybe, like all those people who believed the myth that men and women have fundamental biological language differences loved the other studies, I'm believing in what I want to believe.I found the arguments compelling and the contrary beliefs explained.Whether the mars / Venus myth is true or not, I don't think it serves is a society trying to move forward in awareness.

Everyone who thinks Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus is a good book should read this.