Who is Talking now? A Socio-linguist Study of Language Traits and Social Interactions Between Dramatic Characters in Caryl Churchill's Top Girls with Specific Reference to the Concept of Dominance vs Solidarity in Gendered Talk.

Abstract

This research project analyses and interprets the first scene of Top Girls (1982) by Caryl Churchill in relation to socio and gender linguistic theory. The study considers the usage of a range of linguistic devices which help construct the identities of the female characters and their subsequent rapport. Gender linguistic research on both male and female speech have been considered and used to form two opposing arguments: male dominance and female solidarity. Finally, the linguistic choices have been analysed from a dramaturgical perspective, drawing on the discoveries made in the previous chapters, the interpretations of others and Churchill's own words. The overarching aim of this study is to show how Churchill used language that may be deemed gendered in order to construct complex gender identities for characters which allow her to communicate key themes. This research aims to identify the deviances and adherences to male or female styles of speech and to uncover possible intentions behind the findings, in order to create a comprehensive overview of the dramaturgical impact. This allows for a balanced analysis and places the findings of the study within a greater context.