Discourse 2 – Multi-speaker interaction LO: to understand key features of conversational analysis and be able to analyse spoken texts Starter: imagine an alien has just landed on Earth and has no idea how to engage in a conversation. Write him a set of instructions which will help him understand how a conversation works. Starter: imagine an alien has just landed on Earth and has no idea how to engage in a conversation. Write him a set of instructions which will help him understand how a conversation works.

Speech Functions There are five categories of spoken language, which are used in different situations. Interactional Is the language of informal speech – has a social function and purpose to develop relationships A: so (2) what’re you studying B: er (.) astronomy A: no way (1) me too Referential Provides listener with information. Refers to objects or abstract concepts. Context is vital for listener. the parcel is being delivered here at two o’clock Expressive Highlights speakers emotions, feelings or attitudes. Shows speaker’s judgements. this really can’t be allowed to continue (.) my friends (3) it’s a total disgrace Transactional Is about getting information or making a deal, e.g. buying or selling. Is driven by needs and wants. A: could you tell me where the soup is please B: it’s on aisle 7 (.) by the croutons Phatic Is used for social purposes rather than to convey serious meaning. Initiates a conversation. ‘Small talk’ did you see that rain before (.) it was unbelievable (2) I’m not too late am I This might be familiar from spoken language GCSE!

As you know, speech can be seen to exist on a mode continuum with writing at the other end. However, speech itself can exist on a spectrum between planned and spontaneous – this grid illustrates some of the differences between planned and spontaneous speech. Planned Worked out in advance Specific audience and purpose Formal, standard English Performed/delivered for impact Spontaneous Not prepared in advance Delivered on the spot Informal (depending on context) Often in response to another speaker Lexis Standardised and formal, sophisticated and technical Grammar Follow standard rules, pauses controlled by punctuation; fewer contractions Formality/ Audience Address audience directly; create sense of prestige Lexis Non- standard, slang and dialect are likely. Grammar non-standard agreements, irregular tenses, double negatives. Formality/ Audience Only meant for speakers involved; consider how public conversations are e.g. In shops

Structure of conversations Conversations involve people negotiating and managing opportunities for individuals to share speaking time to create a successful conversation. Therefore, one of the primary ways in which to analyse the structure of conversations is through the idea of the conversational turn.

Turn-taking and adjacency pairs Adjacency pairs are two turns uttered by different speakers, one in response to the other. The response to the question can either be met with a preferred response (i.e. what the initiator wanted the respondent to say), or a dispreferred response, the opposite. A: Would you like to come with me to the cinema tonight? B: Yes! A: Would you like to come with me to the cinema tonight? B: Yes! Extending your learning: how would politeness strategies come into play here?

Insertion sequences In this example, A and B insert an additional sequence before the original adjacency pair is completed. This is called an insertion sequence. Together, the adjacency pair and insertion sequence form an exchange structure. A: Would you like to come with me to the cinema tonight? B: Why, what’s on? A: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes B: Yes! A: Would you like to come with me to the cinema tonight? B: Why, what’s on? A: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes B: Yes!

Allocating turns There are three ways in which turns are allocated and which different speakers have an opportunity to speak. Often, prosody will help signal where one speaker ends their utterance and another speaker is invited to continue. – Initiation/Question + response – often, questions are directed at particular individuals, so then it is clear who is to speak next. In multi-person interactions, the initiator may name the next speaker: “Would you like to come with me to the cinema tonight, Sophia?” or use a non-verbal cue such as a gesture. – At an appropriate point, or transaction relevance place, another speaker may self-select to take their turn. – If no one takes the opportunity to speak, the original speaker may continue speaking. Extension: consider how language is often dictated by social roles – how might participants who are older or more socially powerful put constraints on turn-taking?

Putting what we’ve learnt so far into practice Watch this clip from Made in Chelsea and identify the features of multi-person conversation we have discussed so far.

Other features of spoken language Using the grid on the worksheet, annotate the two transcripts. What key differences do you notice between the two conversations? Consider: – Speech functions – Turn-taking – Typical features of spoken language – Discourse structures (where appropriate)

Plenary Spoken Language terminology bingo!

Homework (due Friday) Record and transcribe a conversation you have with a family member or friend. Annotate your conversation with elements of spoken language we have covered over the last two lessons. N.B. Use appropriate conventions for transcribing your dialogue. – (.) = micropause – (1) = longer pause – number of seconds pause – ((laughs)) non-verbal features – [overlapping] – use this to signal when two speakers talk at the same time.