The Representation of Female and Male Characters in Regard to Topic Management in Conversation Investigated in the American TV Sitcom Happy Endings

Abstract:

The aim of the present investigation is to find out how male and female characters are represented in terms of topic management and thereafter how dominance or/and cooperation may be achieved by the aid of the topic changes and topic shifts in a conversation. Both male and female exclusive conversations and mixed-gender conversations are investigated in the TV show Happy Endings.