Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Presequence

Definition: 

Here are two senses of presequence:

  1. A presequence is a sequence that

    • is used to introduce a conversational action, and
    • often prefigures a particular sort of action and secures the addressee's cooperation.
  2. A presequence is the specific turn that has the function of prefiguring the coming action.
Kinds: 
Examples: 
  • A preinvitational turn, such as are you doing anything this weekend?

  • A summons-answer sequence, such as the following exchange:

  • A: John?
  • B: Yes, honey?
    •
See Also: 
Addressee
Turn
Preinvitation
Source: 
Levinson 1983
345–346

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library. Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003.

LinguaLinks Ordering Information

Glossary Hierarchy

  • Sequence
  • Presequence
  • Preannouncement
  • Prearrangement
  • Preclosing
  • Preinvitation
  • Prerequest
  • Summons-Answer Sequence