Queer Talk

The term 'queer' has been used in a variety of ways. The field of queer linguistics incorporates elements of queer theory into sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology, focusing on speakers that have been marginalized in previous research. Early studies of gay male and lesbian language focused primarily on lexical issues. Although no grammatical structures have been directly linked to sexual orientation, elements of phonology play an important role in the perception of speakers as gay or lesbian. Studies of gay and lesbian discourse have focused on the role of pragmatics in the construction of gay identity and community. Studies of transgendered language have confirmed that indexing gender is indirect. Another area of research has been the role of language in establishing sexual normativity, including the relationship between indexical markers of gender and sexual orientation.