EXPLORING THE EMOTIONAL LANDSCAPE: A GENDER-BASED ANALYSIS OF INTERJECTIONS IN OSCAR ACCEPTANCE SPEECHES

Abstract

Interjections, often considered linguistic outliers, are a fascinating aspect of language that transcends emotion expression to encompass pragmatic functions. The present research delves into the nuanced world of interjections, exploring their gender-specific usage patterns and pragmatic functions. By analyzing the speeches of Oscar Academy Award winners, both male and female, this study investigates how interjections are utilized as tools of emotional expression and attention capture. With a focus on the Oscars as a stage where emotions run high, the research reveals how gender differences in emotional expression manifest in the usage of interjections. The analysis demonstrates that women tend to employ interjections more frequently, particularly those of attention, approval, and joy, shedding light on the intricate interplay between linguistic expression, emotion, and societal expectations. This paper combines theoretical analysis with empirical insights to explore the role of interjections as pragmatic markers, focusing on gender differences and their diverse functions in discourse. Drawing on examples from Oscar-winning acceptance speeches, we investigate how interjections contribute to conversation management, interactional dynamics, and the construction of meaning.