Use of polite request forms by Iranian first-graders: Does gender make a difference? (original) (raw)

Abstract

This small-scale study set out to identify polite request forms in the speech of Iranian first-graders (i.e., 7-year-old children) and to identify differences between male and female children. To this end, 29 male first-graders and 30 females were asked to report how they would ask for something. The forms and the structures were analyzed and patterns were identified. A Chi-square test of independence was subsequently run to see if there was any relationship between gender and preference of direct over indirect polite request forms. The results indicated that there was a statistically significant difference between the choice of direct or indirect forms and the gender of 7-year-old children. Girls were found to favor more indirect forms, whereas boys opted more for direct structures. The study warrants further follow-up investigations and/or replications, given the small sample size.

Alireza Rasti hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Alireza know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.