An Analysis Of Gender Differences In Verbal Communication

Gender difference in language use refers to the fact that language users have different choices in language variations and ways of expressions due to gender difference. Many linguists paid much attention to this topic. Gender difference in language use leads to barrier in cross-gender communication. Therefore, the study of gender difference in language use can help people reduce some obstacles caused by gender in cross-gender communication, achieving harmonious cross-gender communication.Within the theoretical framework of the socio-linguistics and the pragmatics, this thesis chooses some conversations from television drama and adopts the methodology of comparison, theory interpretation, observation description and case analysis to analyze the gender differences in the conversations. By analyzing Cooperative Principle, Politeness Principle and Face Theory adopted by both males and females, we find out some main gender differences in language use. Generally speaking, as far as CP is concerned, females tend to be more cooperative comparing with males and they observe the Cooperative Principle more strictly in order to make the conversation go successfully. Whereas, males usually flout Cooperative Principle and Politeness Principle. They tend to pay more attention to their own willing, instead of principles. As for the face-saving theory, females tend to use face-saving strategies, such as positive politeness, negative politeness or non-public face-threatening acts in their daily conversations to save their hearer’s face, trying to avoid or reduce threatening other’s faces as much as possible. While, males behave quite differently in this aspect and they always threaten other’s face in public and ignore other people’s face.Besides, this thesis lays the emphasis on the factors affecting gender differences in language use and analyzes the causes from the perspectives of physiology, psychology, society, culture, gender, power and dominance, and other factors, of which social cause is the main reason leading to gender difference in language use. In addition, the paper points out that gender difference in language use may lead to misunderstanding in cross-gender communication, and it also suggests some ways to avoid or reduce some certain barriers, aiming at contributing to harmonious cross-gender communication.