Dominance-
This theory concentrates on how males are seemingly in control and dominate mixed-sex conversationsZimmerman and West states
-96% of interruptions made in mixed-sex conversations were made by men
-Men were found to be dominant in conversations and were sought to apply their dominance by applying constraints to the conversation
-They believed that this reflects the male domination in society
Research suggests male and females don't hold an equal position when it comes to conversation.
Deficit-
Robin Lackoff (1975) found that language features differed between male and female language. Typical female speech features include:-Hyper-correct grammar and pronunciation- women believe language should be aspirational
-Tag questions- 'you don't mind, do you?'- co-operative tags
-Avoid coarse language or expletives
-Hedges- sort of, kind of, seems like
-Empty adjectives- gorgeous, divine, adorable
-Super polite forms- would you mind if...is it OK...
-More apologetic- 'I'm sorry, but i think that...'
-Speak less frequently
-Indirect requests- 'I'm hungry' (asking for food)- pragmatics (implied meaning)
-speak in italics- emphasis 'so', 'very', 'quiet'
-use super polite forms, because boys don't
Females remain deficit/less authoritative and more insecure than males. This is a social construct and not due to biological circumstance.
Jenny Cheshire (1882)
Non standard- 's, has, was, never, come, do what
Difference-
Men--Interrupt a lot
-Are concerned with status and independence
-Direct orders
-Don't mind conflict
-Finding solutions to problems
Women-
-Are polite, agree more to avoid conflict and talk less
-Compromise or offer other support
-Want to create positivity and remain in strong relationships
Jennifer Coates (1989) suggests all females talk in co-operation. They support the speaker and make contributions. However this was not always the case in mixed-sex conversations, revealing that men and women had different socio-cultural expectations.
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