Examining the relationship between language and gender in theater plays

With the development of feminist theory within the academy, the long rooted judgments in theater began to shake. Theatrical texts were discussed in the context of feminist theory and new language-form suggestions were introduced. Turkey`s theater with a feminist influence began in the 1990s, and was able to show a limited presence around academic circles. This thesis aims to discuss the language used in play texts in terms of gender and feminism. In this study play texts by a limited circle of authors were examined in regards to how the language and gender appear. Halide Edib Adıvar is compared with the plays of similar periods and events. Bilgesu Erenus' Halide (1985), Güngör Dilmen's Hakimiyet-i Milliye Aşevi (1992), Selim İleri's Allahaısmarladik Cumhuriyet (1995) and Recep Bilginer's Savaştan Barışa Aşktan Kavgaya (1997) were selected for research purposes. The play texts were first examined in the light of the views on the difference between men and women in linguistic theories and evaluated in the context of feminist history and historical / biographical contimeext. This study shows, that language-use interacts with gender, however, this assessment does not apply to the relationship between the language of the play and the gender of the playwright. What determines the masculine and feminine in the play texts is the author's connection with the patriarchal ideology. Halide Edib Adıvar writes in his plays about relationships established by historic constructions, but changes their representation. This study brings together different disciplines such as linguistics, history and literature in the light of feminist theory and discusses language in theater. For further studies, it may be suggested to reconsider these titles with different texts and theories. Key Words: Theater, Language, Gender, Representation, Halide Edib Adıvar, Feminine Literatur