Conversational analysis of mixed gendered interaction in an edition of Wale Adenuga’s <i>Super Story</i>

Abstract

Mixed gendered interaction is typically characterized by power relations between the two sexes. Recent researches in conversation have demonstrated that a male speaker is more domineering than a female speaker (Kings, 2011; Hall, 2003; Burr, 2003; Tannen, 2003; Kendall, 2003). Nigeria, just as most African societies, is patriarchal. This implies that the Nigerian society is practically male controlled. The trace of male domination could be realized in the participants‘ use of language. Having set this as a stereotype estranges any woman who attempts to dominate a conversation. Adopting Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson‘s conversational analysis as its theoretical framework, this research analyzed a mixed gendered conversation of two couples in an edition of the popular Nigerian TV drama series, Super Story. The data was obtained by reproducing and recording the audio aspect of the drama. They were then transcribed based on the transcript convention of conversational analysis. Using qualitative analysis, the research identified gesture, high pitch and interruption as indicators of power control. The research concluded by drawing attention to some culturally specified applications in Nigeria that could cause misinterpretations and miscommunications in a mixed gendered conversation.

Keywords: Conversation, Gender, Power, Stereotype, Culture-specific, Language