A Pragmatic Analysis Of Gender Differences In Gone With The Wind

Based on theories of sociolinguistics and pragmatics, this thesis makes a pragmatic analysis of gender differences in conversations excerpted from screenplay Gone with the Wind, by means of Indirect Speech Act Theory, Cooperative Principle, Politeness Principle, and finds that there exist gender differences in the use of indirectives and in observing/flouting pragmatic principles. Women tend to employ indirectives to communicate implicitly, while men tend to use imperatives to express intentions. Men are competition-oriented, while women are cooperation-oriented. Women are inclined to use questions to inquire and request, and they often compliment others or show their sympathy. Men, however, tend to be direct in expressing intentions by using imperatives, interrupting others, thus flouting the Politeness Principle. Causes of such gender differences are further explored with a view to helping minimize misunderstandings.