Language Style of Hate Speech and its Implication for Gender and Cultural Transmission

Hate speeches, involve all expressions, intended to offend, and discourage love and peaceful co-existence. It could be out of the desire to aggravate an already bad relationship. Hate speeches which could be interpersonal, or communal are usually borne out of the desire to spite, protest against real or perceived marginalization including political and socio-cultural intolerance. Expressions differ, it could be polite, courteous, aggressive, assertive or rude and provocative. The study is designed to examine the language style of hate speeches and the degree to which they heighten situations in the context of gender and cultural transmission. It seeks to answer questions as how do men and women articulate hate speeches and what are their implications for peaceful co-existence, love, unity and development. It is instructive to note that language style and hate speeches have implications for cultural transmission. For instance, people and particularly children born in a hostile environment, replete with hate speeches conveyed in offensive languages are prone to imbibing wrong cultural values and passing same to upcoming generations. The study, which is quantitative and qualitative, posits that if development is to occur at all levels of our society, hate speeches must give way to creative, courteous, polite and assertive expressions. The study finds that hate speeches have multiplier effect, as one hate speech will engender a counter hate speech. Hate speech breeds fear, mistrust and uncertainty. It should be discouraged as much as possible.