The Use Of Question In Female

The Study of Gender Related Speech Pattern: Question and Answer

The Study of Gender Related Speech Pattern: Question and Answer •

Differences of speech pattern between male and female

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How can these differences cause misunderstanding and argument

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Suggestions how to avoid having an argument

Differences of Speech Pattern Between Male and Female Male usually uses “Report Style”. Female usually uses “Rapport Style” Tannen (1991) Male asks question for information. Female’s question can be rhetorical means of engaging the other’s conversational contribution or of acquiring attention from others conversationally involved Barns (1971)

Example Conversations

Conclusion from the Interview Subjects • 3 Couples (Boyfriend and Girlfriend) • Fourth year humanities students • Being in a relationship from 2 months to 4 years

Tools = Interview Procedure • Interview • Analysis

Male • Ask question to get answer • Give opinion directly • Talk straight forwardly • Not concern much about word choice • Not concern much about tone

Female • Ask question for many purposes • Give opinion politely • Concern about word choice • Concern about tone • Concern about nonverbal reaction

Interesting Observation • Every male subjects misses at least one point in the function of woman’s question. • 2 male subjects do not aware of their lack of concern about word choice and tone. • 1 male subject says that male seldom asks question for other purposes.

How to avoid having an argument? Male - Consider woman’s word choice and tone - Concern more about word choice and tone when talking to a woman Female - Try to understand nature of male’s speech pattern - Talk straight forward with male - Do not ask question for other purposes - Put less emotion when talking to male

Q&A

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