Conversation analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Conversation analysis - Assignment Example Line (16A) is an expressive. A apologizes for not being in a position to place the order, and gives an explanation. Thus, he performs a face-threatening act. Moves Line (6A) directs an effective move. B is compelled to work out the price immediately, the way it is stated. However, an interception sequence follows unexpectedly. Adjacency pairs Line (4B) is a question but it is not followed by an answer till the end. The question in line (6A) is answered in line (9B). The tag question in line (10A) is immediately followed by an affirmative in (11B). Another tag question in line (13A) is followed by an answer in line (14B). (11A) is an apology followed by minimizing through the word ‘Okay’, by the shopkeeper and rounding off the conversation. Politeness Principle The conversation begins with a note of politeness on the part of the customer in line (1A) B offers to work out the price in line (7B) and A thanks him for it in line (8A). Both have followed the politeness princip le. Very politely, A apologizes and expresses his regret for not being in a position to place the order immediately. His polite refusal ‘sorry’ in line (16A) is accepted with equal politeness by the shopkeeper with the single, simple word ’okay’ in line (17B). ... Maxims of relevance and quality are observed by both speakers. The situation made the customer rather hesitant, and he used some ‘er’s, ‘eh’ and ‘uhm’ during the discourse, just enough to get time to think (fillers) yet he maintained the continuous flow. Pauses There is a long pause in line (8A), about 10 seconds. This is a planned pause to allow the shopkeeper enough time to work out the price. Another small pause in line (12A) is filler, where the customer is indecisive and gives himself time to think before he makes a commitment. Slight pauses and repetitions and fillers are characteristic in the lines of the customer, (lines 5A, 6A, 12A, 15A and 16A ) which reveal that he was not prepared for the price, and is compelled to cancel his original intention of placing the order. Turn taking The initial part of the discourse proceeds smoothly, the speakers signaling end of speech and taking turns alternatively at appropriate places. After the reve lation of the price however, the customer fails to make an apt signal, and the shopkeeper is too quick in his response (line 11B). Here is an overlap but the shopkeeper quickly adjusts to it in line (14B). once again, taking his turn at the right place. Conclusion On the whole, this is a very trite, compact and brief conversation, where both participants stick to the point, and make it a