SIMULTANEOUS SPEECH IN SINGLE AND MIXED SEX CONVERSATION GROUPS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SUDANESE URBAN SOCIETY

Abstract

Abstract SIMULTANEOUS SPEECH IN SINGLE AND MIXED SEX CONVERSATION GROUPS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SUDANESE URBAN SOCIETY The purpose of this study is to explore gender similarities/ differences in males’ and females’ conversational behavior with special reference to the Sudanese urban society. It also tests the suitability of the generalizations proposed by research in Western societies to decide whether they have genuine applicability to our Sudanese culture. Sixty Sudanese males and females participated in the study which was carried out in Greater Khartoum. In order to establish the way in which males and females take the floor, recordings of naturally occurring conversations were done. Analysis of the data shows significant findings: 1) Participants used both cooperative and intrusive interruptions in their conversation. 2) There is a tendency for men to interrupt more often in mixed gender than in same gender interactions. 3) The distribution of the interruptions was not equally divided between speakers contrary to what has been claimed in Western culture. 4) The study refutes the claim that men use raised voiced to maintain control of the conversational floor.