Over the past decades a great number of research has been conducted on the differences between male and female speaking behaviour. Since many efforts have been made to establish equal opportunities for both genders several studies examined whether these changes are also reflected in their language. Most of them concentrate on informal conversations in collegial settings and come to the conclusion that the differences are rather diminishing.
This study will focus on examining gender differences in language using a sequence of a controversial discussion which was published as a YouTube video. It will give a brief review of the research within this area and then move on to analysing the recording. Special focus will be put on specific linguistic items which have been carried out in previous studies of this field.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- I. Review of the Literature
- II. Methodology
- III. Data Analysis
- 3.1. Total words spoken
- 3.2. Interruptions
- 3.3. Tag questions
- 3.4. Lexical hedges and minimal response
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study investigates the differences in language usage between men and women during a controversial discussion. It examines whether previous observations of gender-specific speaking behaviour, primarily in informal settings, hold true in the context of a heated debate. The study aims to provide insights into how language can be used to express opinions and argue perspectives, and whether there are significant differences in the linguistic strategies employed by men and women in such situations.
- Gender-specific speaking behavior in controversial discussions
- Comparison of language usage between men and women
- Analysis of linguistic features associated with gender differences
- Evolution of research on gender-specific language
- Impact of societal changes on gender-based language differences
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The Introduction provides an overview of previous research on gender differences in language and explains the rationale behind this study. It highlights the focus on a controversial discussion recorded for a YouTube video and outlines the specific linguistic features that will be analyzed. Chapter I delves into the history of research on gender differences in conversation. It examines different theoretical approaches, such as the “deficit approach,” “dominance approach,” and “difference approach,” and discusses the evolution of research on this topic. Chapter II outlines the methodology used for this study. It describes the chosen data source – a YouTube video of a controversial discussion – and provides details about the participants and the context of the debate.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This study focuses on gender differences in language, particularly within the context of a controversial discussion. Key themes include the evolution of research on gender-specific language, the “deficit approach,” “dominance approach,” and “difference approach,” the analysis of linguistic features such as interruptions, tag questions, and lexical hedges, and the impact of societal changes on gender-based language differences.
- Quote paper
- Maren Köppel (Author), 2020, Gender specific speaking behavior in a controversial discussion, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1334844
