GENDER, POWER, AND THE MIC: ANALYZING TURN-TAKING PRACTICES IN PAKISTANI AND AMERICAN TV TALK SHOWS

Abstract

The paper at hand analyzes turn-takings in talk shows in order to explore how gender influences communication across different cultural contexts in general and specifically in America and Pakistan. The analysis shows that, contrary to traditional expectations, Pakistani females took more conversational turns (i.e., 54.7%) compared to Pakistani males (i.e., 45.2%). In the same way, American females also had more frequent turn-takings (53.6%) than their male speakers (i.e., 46.4%). Through the perspective of Deborah Tannen's Genderlect Theory, these results suggest that women in both Pakistan and America, despite their cultural differences, exhibit comparable communication tendencies that prioritize relationship-building and connection. It critiques traditional gender expectations, notably in Pakistan, where discussions have predominantly been steered by males. This shows a change towards more women being involved. In America, the manner in which men and women communicate with one another indicates a shift towards greater equality in their interactions. The consistent patterns observed in both cultures point to the possibility that men and women may communicate in fundamentally similar ways, even if the specific styles of communication differ from one culture to another. This study highlights how gender affects communication in different situations. It shows that communication styles related to gender are quite similar across various cultures. This aligns with Genderlect Theory, underscoring its relevance in modern conversations surrounding gender and linguistic styles.