Gender-based Differences

in Complimenting Behavior
by

Nargis Hadayat

Abstract
This article deals with behavior of male and
female speaker regarding the compliment
use. Two different modes of communications
(English and Chinese) have been compared
in this article. Paper identifies the role of
syntactic patterns and topic distribution
regarding the compliment use. Paper also
identifies gaps for further research.

Introduction
According to Leech compliment is a social wheel to serve as social
lubricant. Complements threaten to hears negative face. According to
Holmes complement is a speech act which explicitly or implicitly attribute
credit to someone other than speaker. Usually person address for some
good characteristics positively valued by speaker and hearer. According to
Leech approbation maxim compliment is an effect tool. It is necessary for
maintaining solidarity between speaker and hearer so the most of the
people make use of this tool. Compliments express solidarity, admiration or
desire for hearer possessions. It also expresses positive evaluation and
admiration and prevent hearer from verbal harassment. Paper explain the
impact of gender differences on compliment us. Both male and female have
different social position and cultural background in the society. Result shows
clear difference between male and female regarding the compliment use.

Methodology
Article has quantitative approach. It deals
with Comparative Research because two
groups male and speaker having
different social as well as cultural
background regarding the compliments
use have been compared.
Participants: Participants involved in this
project are divided into Mandarin
Chinese and English Speakers.

Data collection
Data is collected through the
questionnaires and
questionnaires have been
designed according to DCT
(Discourse Completion Task)
Approach of pragmatics.

Strength
Paper explains the role of culture
and social distance regarding the
men and womens compliments
use. Paper interprets the obstacle
created by diverse culture and
social distance.

Weakness
Relative power has weighty role to
play regarding the men and
womens compliments.
Paper does not explain the impact
of relative power regarding the
men and women compliments.

Conclusion
Gender differences have key role in speech
acts compliments. Male and female use
compliments in different proportions. Female
use more compliments than male speaker.
Syntactic patterns also affect the ratio of
compliments in male and female speakers
communication because female share
different syntactic patterns than male.

Further
Paper
gives direction for
Research
further research in following
areas.
Role of relative power in men
and womens compliments.