Boys in language classes: Speech behaviour, gender performance and socio-economic status

The study is concerned with how gender performance in second language classes is manifest in classroom speech behaviour. It analyses classroom speech in three year eight Languages classes, from schools of different socio-economic status (SES) levels. The study found gender differences in the amount and purpose of classroom speech. These gender differences in speech behaviour were exacerbated by SES. The significance of the study lies in emphasizing the importance of time, place, and community of practice upon the provisional/changing nature of gender performance.