The Conative and Vocative (Directive) Function in Parent-Child Interactions in Jordan

Abstract

The present study is carried out to investigate the conative and vocative pragmatic function of parent-child interactions in Irbid City, Jordan. A sample of 300 school children from different areas of Irbid was chosen randomly from Irbid governorate in North Jordan. The sample consisted of grade 5 pupils who are 11 years old. Fifty percent of the sample were males, whereas the second fifty percent females. A questionnaire of 5 items was distributed to the sample to measure the conative and vocative pragmatic function. The results showed that parent-child interactions in Jordan exhibit this pragmatic function. The results also showed that parents' interactions affect children's personality and behavior positively through applying certain tactics and styles.