SPOKEN INTERACTION BETWEEN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A STUDY OF GENDERED DISCOURSE PATTERNS

Abstract

Language is a socially constructed system rooted in power dynamics, identity development, and cultural customs. Language variation is greatly influenced by gender in discourse styles and communication strategies. The present paper aims to find gender differences in spoken interaction among undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Sialkot. The research objectives are to identify linguistic differences between male and female students and to examine the extent to which gender affects face-to-face interaction. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from a randomly selected sample of 13 male and 14 female students. The major finding is that female students use polite, expressive, and supportive language. On the other hand, male students use more direct, concise, and competitive language. Females also use hedging and emphatic expressions, desiring to preserve interpersonal harmony and reduce assertiveness. Most students acknowledged gender-based differences in communication styles. They believed that, although gender influences discourse patterns, these differences are also shaped by broader sociocultural norms, individual communication styles, and interactional goals. This research contributes to the growing body of work on gender and language in academic settings and offers useful insights for educators seeking to promote inclusive and effective communication.