Investigating gender variations of using attitude choices in letters of recommendations

Purpose The main objective of the present study is to explore whether there are variations in employment evaluative language resources by male and female writers. More specifically, focuses on variations, if any, that can be attributed difference gender. Design/methodology/approach compared contrasted forty recommendation letters written academics same number recommenders. uses both quantitative qualitative approaches. Findings investigation three attitudinal recommendations showed most employed resource was judgment sub-system. appreciation domain second position, least frequent affect. results also revealed no statistically significant attitude sub-systems: Affect as writers groups (males females) almost options each. In respect with judgment, however, analysis explored differences between two sets used more than females. Originality/value contributions this may follows: first, it one very few studies drawing attitude-category appraisal system, an analytical tool examine gender particularly ones non-native speakers English. Second, factor central genre hence researchers should cognizant its role certain might impacted it. Third, lists tokens offered heuristics for have common words or phrases use their letters. Finally, findings hopefully bear some important pedagogical implications, specifically novice academic