Gender differences in America (Tannen 1992):
Boys |
Girls |
| Activities are central. | |
| Best friends are the ones they do things with. | Best friends are the ones with whom she sits and talks,frequently telling secrets --the fact that they tell secrets, and the way they talk to each other make them best friends. |
| Tend to play in larger groups that are hierarchical | |
| Expected to use language to seige ceter state by exhibiting their skills, displaying their knowledge, and challenging and resisting challeges (ritual opposition) | |
| Bond by exchanging playful insults and put-downs | Bond by talking about troubles (chit-chatting) |