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Communication is by definition the process of transmitting and receiving ideas, information, and messages. The rapid transmission of information over long distances and ready access to information has become conspicuous and important features of human society, especially in the past 150 years. Both verbal and nonverbal communication is related and very important in our interactions with others. From a very early age, males and females are taught different linguistic practices. Communicative behaviors that are acceptable for boys, for example, may be considered completely inappropriate for girls. Language differences are also due in part to our social experiences. We inherently respond to boys and girls differently. Our expectations of them are different. Behavior that we tolerate from one gender may be less acceptable from the opposite (A first look p. 391). Whereas a boy might be permitted to use "rough" language, a girl in the same situation might be reminded to use her manners and be "lady-like" The research on women and language shows