Communication is a necessary skill for success in life. Misunderstandings often occur in communication between people due to linguistic and perceptual differences. In intimate relationships, this misunderstanding in communication between the man and the woman leads to great agitation and tension – apparently the two sexes speak in completely different languages. Genderlect style theory explains that men and women speak in distinct cultural dialects and mannerisms, which reflect the goals of different genders; men desire status and success, while women desire personal connections and relationships. In the following pages, I will identify the theorist behind Genderlect style theory, examine her educational history, and discuss other contributions she has made to the world of social science and psychology. Using physical examples, I will demonstrate the theory of Genderlect style in the real world to strengthen our understanding. Finally, I will explain what I have personally gleaned from my research. According to ____, theorist Deborah Tannen was born on June 7, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York. The youngest of three Jewish girls, Tannen was considered the black sheep of her family because she continually isolated herself from others. Pushed by her parents to excel in school, Tannen fast-tracked the state curriculum and graduated from Hunter College High School in 1962 at age eleven. Continuing his education, Tannen earned both his bachelor's degree from Harpur College in 1966 and his master's degree from Wayne State University in 1970 in English Literature. Dissatisfied with her current position and longing for a deeper understanding of the interaction between society and communication, Tannen changed her state and shifted her attention… to the center of the paper… or a relationship.” In genderlects there is no superior or inferior method of communication, but rather men and women simply communicate differently. By understanding these differences, you can reduce the amount of misunderstandings in future conversations. Works Cited Littlejohn, S. W., & Foss, K. A. (2009). Gender theory. Encyclopedia of Communication Theory (1st ed., Vol.25, pp. 205-207). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE. Pearson, J. C., Turner, L. H., & West, R. L. (1995). Vocabulary, questions and dominance: verbal communication and gender. Gender and communication (3rd ed., pp. 145-164). Madison, WI.: Brown & Benchmark. Tannen, D. (2007). You just don't understand: women and men in conversation. New York, NY: Harper.Wood, J.T. (2011). Gender verbal communication. Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender, and Culture (10th ed., pp. 118-137). Boston, Massachusetts: Cengage.