Task: Find any language data (youtube video clips may be helpful, film, television, or personal observations at home) that show men or women in conversation – look at each of Deborah Tannen’s six contrasts, and observe men and women’s style of communication.  If the contrast seems not to apply or to be relevant, then consider why this might be – is the sample untypical, is Professor Tannen’s view mistaken, is something else happening? Refer to the six contrasts mentioned in this Tannen outline, and write an analysis of your observations.

Prompt: to what extent do Tannen’s contrasts accurately describe the communication styles of men and women?

Responses: 250-500 words neatly written or typed.

Due: Wednesday, April 18

For additional resources related to Language, Gender, and Culture click this:

http://www.teachit.co.uk/armoore/lang/gender.htm

For a BBC psychology survey titled “What Sex is Your Brain?”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/index_surveys.shtml