Difference Approach

• Belief that men and women have innate differences in style, writing and function of speech
• Deborah Tannen

  'You Just Don't Understand' - 1990

  represents difference view of 'Mars and Venus' (male and female)

  male-female conversation is viewed as miscommunication.

  Established 6 contrasts

  males: status, conflict, advice

  females: support, compromise, understanding
• Jennifer Coates - 1989

  argues that boys and girls tend to belong in the same sex friendship groups growing up so they develop different styles of thinking

  • female language is co-operative in single sex convos
  • questions and modality help make women talk co-operative and supportive