Gender Differences in Email Communication Among University English Teachers in Oman

Abstract

The study investigates the influence of gender in language utilized in email communication among Sohar University lecturers. This study is based on Media-Richness Theory (MRT). It aims to avoid confusion or misunderstanding in cross-gender communication and enhance awareness of communication styles used among non-Omani and Omani lectures. The study focuses on three areas of linguistic features, which are abbreviation, emoticons and onomatopoetic. A qualitative method research design was employed in this study. After analyzing 40 email samples, the researcher conducted six interviews. The results indicated that abbreviations are less standard in female emails than emoticon and onomatopoetic. Unlike females, males like to use abbreviations in their emails. According to emoticons and onomatopoetic, females like to express their feelings and emotions explicitly. They are likely to be more onomatopoetic and emotional than men. The study has resulted in appreciated knowledge that practitioners may apply to everyday written communication at universities.