Communication is a necessary skill for success in life. Misunderstandings in communication frequently occur between people due to differences in language and perception. In intimate relationships, this misunderstanding in communication between man and woman leads to great turmoil and tension - it seems that the two sexes speak in completely different vernacular languages. Genderlect style theory explains that men and women speak in distinct dialects and cultural mannerisms, which reflect the goals of the different genders; men desire status and success, while women desire relationships and personal relationships. In the following pages, I will identify the theorist behind Genderlect style theory, examine her educational background, and discuss other contributions she has made to the world of social science and psychology. Using physical examples, I will demonstrate Genderlect style theory 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 quickly moved through the state's curriculum and graduated from Hunter College High School in 1962 at the age of eleven. Continuing his education, Tannen received 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 desiring a deeper understanding of the interaction between society and communication, Tannen changed her state and changed her focus....... middle of paper.... .. or a relationship.” In gender groups, there is no superior or inferior method of communication, but men and women simply communicate differently. By understanding these differences, we can reduce the number of misunderstandings in future conversations. Works Cited Littlejohn, SW and Foss, KA (2009). Gender theory. Encyclopedia of Communication Theory (1st ed., Vol.25, pp. 205-207). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE. Pearson, JC, Turner, LH, & West, RL (1995). Vocabulary, questions and dominance: verbal communication and gender. Gender and communication (3rd ed., pp. 145-164). Madison, Wis.: Brown & Benchmark. Tannen, D. (2007). You just don't understand: women and men in conversation. New York, NY: Harper.Wood, J.T. (2011). Gendered verbal communication. Gendered lives: communication, gender and culture (10th ed., pp. 118-137). Boston, MA: Cengage.