Article

Gender Differences in Lexical Choices among Learners of English at the National University of Lesotho

Mpoi Mahao ORCID , Ntšoeu Seepheephe ORCID

    Received: 5 December 2025 | Revised: 5 February 2026 | Accepted: 13 February 2026 | Published Online: 20 February 2026

    Abstract

    Despite ongoing sociological research, there is no clear consensus on gender-based differences in language use, particularly in terms of lexical choices. This gap underscores the need for further research. The present study aims to contribute to this area by examining gender differences in the use of lexis among students at the National University of Lesotho. Using a mixed-methods approach and employing the dominance and difference theories, the study examines how male and female students differ in their use of modal verbs, interjections, politeness markers, intensifiers, and hedges. Data were collected through self-administered, scenario-based questionnaires distributed to a randomly selected sample of 42 students. The scenarios were designed to elicit responses that usually incorporate the target linguistic features. The analysis began with the qualitative component, focusing on the thematic categorisation and contextual use of the vocabulary. This was followed by quantitative analysis, using descriptive statistics and inferential techniques to determine whether observed differences were statistically significant.. Results revealed gender differences in the use of all lexical features except polite markers, which were used equally by both groups. Significantly, despite these observed patterns, none of the differences were statistically significant according to log-likelihood calculations.

    Keywords

    Discourse Features, Gender Differences, Language and Gender, Lexis, Sociolinguistics

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