K@ta: A Biannual Publication on the Study of Language and Literature (Jan 2003)
THE CHOICE OF TOPICS IN MALE, FEMALE AND MIXED-SEX GROUPS OF STUDENTS OF PETRA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY IN THEIR CHATTING
Abstract
This study analyzed some conversations in the male, female and male-female groups of some university students. Using McCarthy's classification of topics, the results show that 'Persons' is the typical topic in the female group, while 'Objects/ belongings' is the most favorite topic in the male group. In the mixed-sex group, it is interesting to see how both sexes negotiated the topics by proposing the typical topics of the other sex group.
