Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Conversation Analysis

Definition: 

Conversation analysis is an approach to the study of natural conversation, especially with a view to determining the following:

  • Participants’ methods of
    • turn-taking
    • constructing sequences of utterances across turns
    • identifying and repairing problems, and
    • employing gaze and movement
  • How conversation works in different conventional settings
Examples: 

Here are some examples of conventional settings in which conversation analysis could take place:

  • Interviews
  • Court hearings
  • Telephone conversations
  • Card games
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