A study investigated: (1) the communication strategies (CSs) used by Turkish learners of English as a Second Language (ESL) when interacting with native English speakers, and (2) the influence of gender on use of CSs when communication difficulties occur because of limited English proficiency. Subjects were ten native Turkish-speaking ESL learners paired with ten native English speakers. Conversations were recorded and transcribed, and CSs were coded. Analysis indicates the CSs used by the ESL learners included reduction strategies, generalization, paraphrase, word coinage, cooperative strategies, repair, and repetition. Results also revealed that gender of the native English speaker had an important effect on use of CSs in both same- and opposite-sex dyads; all Turkish ESL learners used more CSs with female than with male interlocutors. It is concluded that communication success depends on pairing, particularly in native-nonnative interaction where cooperation is required, and on interlocutors' personalities. Implications concerning the teaching of CSs are examined. Contains 20 references. (MSE)