Gender Theories

Dominance theory 
This theory suggests that in mixed gender conversations. Zimmerman & West recorded conversations and found that men interrupt the conversation more than women. From this they concluded that because men interrupt more or attempt to do so this shows that the men are either more dominating or trying to do so.

Semantic non-equivilences
These are pairs of terms which are differentiated by gender that have gained certain status' and value that could place one gender superior to the other e.g.
Queen-King
Actor-Actress
Lady-Lord

Difference theory 
Deborah Tannen suggests that male and female use language in six contrasts
Status/support---men seek to dominate,women attempt to gain confirmation
Independence/intimacy---women try to be close and support one another, men focus more on independence and their status
Advice/understanding--- men try to take action again possibly dominating, women want understanding of how they feel and think
Information/feeling---men get straight to the point with the valuable information in as little as possible time, women tend to fill the air time with unnecessary chat
Order/proposal---women may suggest or do indirect hints at something, men are commanding or are direct and straight to the point
Conflict/compromise---men can often resist arguing or saying their view, women may resist conflict but complain subsequently to avoid confrontation