Gender-Based Variations in Gratitude Expression: A Study within the Pakistani Context

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This research paper explored the strategies Urdu speakers of Pakistan use for expressing gratitude in various situations. The goal of the present research paper is to observe, (a) the frequently used expressions of gratitude strategies in Urdu used by Pakistani students, (b) the similarities and differences in the expressions of gratitude strategies used by Pakistani male and female students.

Methodology: The data was collected from University of Gujrat, 100 participants (50 male and 50 female) were selected for this purpose. The Discourse completion task designed by Cheng (2005) was used as an instrument of the study. For the purpose of data analysis, the researcher used software by the name of statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) VERSION-21 (Evaluation Version). t-test was used to check the answers of the questions.

Findings: The results show that Urdu speakers preferred different strategies of gratitude for eight different situations. Significant difference was observed in the use of ‘repayment’ strategy on the part of male and female participants.

Conclusion: The study concluded that (1) frequently used expressions of gratitude strategies in Urdu used by Pakistani students; (2) similarities and differences in the gratitude strategies used by both genders of Pakistani students; in the use of gratitude strategies by Pakistani students.