Linguistic Analysis of Friends: The Case of Joey Tribbiani

Abstract

[eng] The study of gender discourse focuses mainly on language differences between two genders: male and female. However, it is a complex idea which cannot be directly expressed through English language. Therefore, this essay takes a sociolinguistics approach to distinguish gender differences and identities alongside linguistic features of childlike speech. Moreover, gender discrepancies have always been a subject of discussion in cultural products such as television series and films. Therefore, this dissertation will aim at sociolinguistic and linguistic representation of sexist, childish and feminine behaviours through the profound discourse analysis of one of the main characters, Joey Tribbiani, from one of the most popular American sitcoms, Friends (1994-2004). It will also present how the negative hegemonic masculinity discourse is neglected by the audience due to childlike and feminine performances defining him as one of the most attractive and sympathetic characters of the series. Additionally, the paper will give insights for further analysis on the social and cultural impact of such norms of conduct.