Interaction and “Standard English”: Gender Matters

This paper examines the influence of existing male and female language stereotypes in “Standard English” and it also focuses on specific genres: verbal activity types, with specific social roles assigned for participants. Conversation – an informal, private genre of talk – is in its focus. The goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the division of conversational labor, male-female distinct “interactional styles”, politeness strategies used by women and men.