Deborah Tannen
Biography of Deborah Tannen
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Deborah Frances Tannen
Common Aliases: Deborah Tannen
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: June 7, 1945
Death Date: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Linguist, Author, Professor
Early Life and Background
Deborah Frances Tannen was born on June 7, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a Jewish family, Tannen was exposed to a rich tapestry of languages and cultures, which would later influence her academic pursuits. Her early fascination with language and communication was nurtured by her parents, who encouraged her intellectual curiosity. Tannen attended Hunter College High School, a selective public school for gifted students, where she excelled academically. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Harpur College (now Binghamton University) in 1966. Her passion for linguistics led her to the University of California, Berkeley, where she obtained her Master's degree in 1970, followed by a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1979.
Major Accomplishments
Deborah Tannen's career is marked by significant contributions to the field of sociolinguistics, particularly in the study of gender and communication. She is best known for her pioneering work on conversational styles and the dynamics of interpersonal communication. Tannen's research has been instrumental in shaping the understanding of how language influences social relationships and power dynamics. Her academic career includes a long tenure at Georgetown University, where she has served as a University Professor and a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics.
Notable Works or Actions
Tannen's most famous work, "You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation," published in 1990, became a New York Times bestseller and brought her widespread recognition. The book explores the differences in communication styles between men and women, offering insights into how these differences can lead to misunderstandings. Her other notable works include "Talking from 9 to 5: Women and Men at Work," which examines gender communication in the workplace, and "The Argument Culture: Stopping America's War of Words," which critiques the adversarial nature of public discourse.
In addition to her books, Tannen has published numerous articles and essays in academic journals and popular media, further establishing her as a leading voice in the field of linguistics. Her ability to translate complex linguistic concepts into accessible language has made her work appealing to both academic and general audiences.
Impact and Legacy
Deborah Tannen's research has had a profound impact on the study of language and communication. Her work has influenced not only linguists but also professionals in fields such as psychology, sociology, and communication studies. Tannen's insights into gender communication have sparked important conversations about the role of language in shaping social interactions and have contributed to a greater awareness of the nuances of interpersonal communication.
Her books have been translated into numerous languages, extending her influence beyond the English-speaking world. Tannen's work has also been incorporated into educational curricula, helping students and professionals alike to develop a deeper understanding of communication dynamics.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Deborah Tannen is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to illuminate the complexities of human communication. Her work resonates with readers because it addresses universal experiences and challenges in understanding and being understood. Tannen's exploration of gender differences in communication has provided valuable insights into everyday interactions, making her work relevant to a broad audience.
Her contributions to the field of linguistics have earned her numerous accolades, including honorary degrees and awards from prestigious institutions. Tannen's ability to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application has made her a sought-after speaker and commentator on issues related to language and communication.
In summary, Deborah Tannen's legacy lies in her groundbreaking research and her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and empathy. Her work continues to inspire and inform those interested in the intricate dance of human conversation.
Quotes by Deborah Tannen
Deborah Tannen's insights on:
A sister is the one person you can call in the middle of the night when you can't sleep or the one who doesn't want to hear about your problems unless you're ready to do something about them. She's the one who is there when you need her or the one whose absence when you need her hurts the most.
The Pavlovian view of women voters - 'plug the words in, and they will respond' - sends a chill down my spine because it sounds like an adaptation of something I have written about communication between the sexes: When a woman tells a man about a problem, she doesn't want him to fix it; she just wants him to listen and let her know he understands.
In the past, great communicators were great orators, but great communicators today sound conversational, and interrupting is common in conversation. And public discourse is now more about entertainment than enlightenment.
Conflict can't be avoided in our public lives any more than we can avoid conflict with people we love. One of the great strengths of our society is that we can express these conflicts openly.
While the requirements of a good leader and a good man are similar, the requirements of a good leader and a good woman are mutually exclusive. A good leader must be tough, but a good woman must not be. A good woman must be self-deprecating, but a good leader must not be.
I'm a linguist. I study how people talk to each other and how the ways we talk affect our relationships.
Where the daughter sees power, the mother feels powerless. Daughters and mothers, I found, both overestimate the other's power - and underestimate their own.
Mothers subject their daughters to a level of scrutiny people usually reserve for themselves. A mother's gaze is like a magnifying glass held between the sun's rays and kindling. It concentrates the rays of imperfection on her daughter's yearning for approval. The result can be a conflagration - whoosh.
For each other, at each other: Sisters can be either or both. The same could be said of people in any close relationship. Yet there is something special about sisters - specially gratifying and specially fraught.
For many women, and a fair number of men, saying 'I'm sorry' isn't literally an apology; it's a ritual way of restoring balance to a conversation.