Page 5: Women's Oral Culture

Deborah Jones's research on women's communication patterns introduces different categories of female discourse, contributing to gender differences in language examples.

Definition: Categories of women's oral culture:

• House talk: Information exchange related to female domestic roles
• Scandal: Moral judgment of others' behavior
• Bitching: Private expression of frustration about gender roles

Difference Model Research

Jennifer Coates and Jane Pilkington's studies highlight the cooperative nature of women's communication in same-sex conversations. Coates argues that gender-specific communication styles develop from childhood friendship groups.

Highlight: Coates theorizes that female language is cooperative in single-sex conversations, using tag questions and modality to create a supportive environment.

Pilkington's research found that women use positive politeness strategies and are more collaborative, complimentary, and supportive than men in same-sex conversations.

Quote: "Men pursue a style of interaction based on power, while women pursue a style based on solidarity and support" - Jennifer Coates

Coates identified key features of women's cooperative discourse:

1. Topic and topic development: Women focus on people and feelings, developing topics slowly and collaboratively.
2. Minimal responses: Subtle signals of active listening and support.
3. Hedges: Used to encourage discussion and avoid appearing threatening.
4. Questions: Interrogative forms used to encourage participation.
5. Turn-taking: Overlapping conversation aids cooperation and topic development.

Example: Women might use phrases like "maybe" or "kind of" (hedges) to soften their statements and encourage open discussion.

These findings support the Deborah Tannen theory on gender differences in communication styles, highlighting the contrast between men's tendency to dominate and control conversations and women's inclination to offer support through minimal responses.