Analysis of Turn-Taking and Gender Differences in Online EFL Classrooms

Turn-taking and Gender Differences

  • Azizeh Chalak English Department, Islamic Azad University of Isfahan
  • Mahzad Karimi English Department, Islamic Azad University of Isfahan
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6316877
Keywords: Conversation Analysis, EFL Classrooms, Gender Differences, Online Education, Turn-taking

Abstract

The Covid-19 Pandemic has influenced EFL learners' turn-taking system due to the sudden shift from traditional face-to-face classes to virtual learning. This study aimed at investigating the role of gender in turn-taking patterns in online Iranian EFL classrooms. To this end, the discourse exchanges of 55 Iranian upper-intermediate online English learners were collected and analyzed. The approximate equality of male and female students paved the way to scrutinize the role of gender. The data were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through the lens of the turn-taking system. Descriptive statistics followed by the Chi-square tests and paired comparison tests revealed that teacher selection occurred more frequently than self-selection, and using vocatives was the most preferred strategy applied by the teachers. Moreover, males took more turns compared to the female students. Therefore, gender was a determinative factor in the dominant patterns of turn-taking in online classrooms. The results could provide insightful information for teachers on creating a dialogic atmosphere in virtual classes in which all students can engage in a cooperative discussion.

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Author Biographies

Azizeh Chalak, English Department, Islamic Azad University of Isfahan

Azizeh Chalak is an associate professor at English Department, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan Branch, Isfahan, Iran., where she teaches English to graduate and undergraduate students for 20 years. She got her Ph.D. in TEFL from the University of Isfahan, and was a visiting research students at the English Department at University of Albert Ludwigs, Freiburg, Germany. Her research interests include Discourse Analysis, Sociolinguistics, Intercultural/Cross-cultural Communication, E-mail Commutation, and Ethnography of Communication.

Mahzad Karimi, English Department, Islamic Azad University of Isfahan

Mahzad Karimi is a Ph.D. holder of TEFL from the Islamic Azad University of Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch. She graduated in 2019 and conducted research in various fields. Her research interests include Discourse Analysis, Gender Studies, Community-based Participatory Research Method, and Intercultural Communication.

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Published
2022-04-01
How to Cite
Chalak, A., & Karimi, M. (2022). Analysis of Turn-Taking and Gender Differences in Online EFL Classrooms. Langua: Journal of Linguistics, Literature, and Language Education, 5(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6316877
Issue
Vol 5 No 1 (2022): Langua: Journal of Linguistics, Literature, and Language Education
Section
Original Article

Copyright (c) 2022 Azizeh Chalak, Mahzad Karimi

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