Deborah Tannen is an American sociolinguist and professor known for her work on the differences in communication styles between genders. She gained prominence with her book, *You Just Don’t Understand*, which explores how men and women often interpret conversations differently, leading to misunderstandings. Tannen's research focuses on the role of language in social interactions and how it shapes relationships. She has contributed to the fields of linguistics, communication studies, and gender studies, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding spoken and written language. Her insights have influenced both academic research and practical communication strategies.