THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING WOMEN’S SPEECH STRATEGIES IN DETECTIVE FICTION

Abstract

This article explores the critical importance of studying women’s speech strategies within detective fiction. It argues that analyzing the linguistic choices of female characters offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of gender, power, and identity within the genre. Drawing on perspectives from both English and Russian linguistics, the study examines how women’s speech strategies challenge stereotypes, manipulate expectations, and construct identity. It discusses the sociolinguistic significance of gender and language, the role of female agency and resistance, and the use of subversion and deception in detective narratives. Methodological considerations for conducting such research are outlined, and future research directions are proposed. Ultimately, the article asserts that understanding women’s speech strategies enriches our comprehension of detective fiction as a reflection of social realities and a commentary on gender relations.