Conversation and Discourse: Structure and Interpretation

Conversation and Discourse, published in 1981, is a collection of papers that explore different approaches to conversational analysis, including description, experiment, theory, and analysis. The book highlights the difficulty of analyzing conversation due to its shifting and problematic nature, which has led to the development of various methodologies such as Gricean theories and ethnomethodological conversational analysis. It is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in linguistics, language, and literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 181 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1981, Conversation and Discourse is a comprehensive collection of papers that explore diverse approaches to conversational analysis. This field is broadly divided into two categories: papers that focus on description and experiment, and papers that delve into theory and analysis. Interestingly, the ordinary speaker often considers conversation to be the simplest form of language, perhaps explaining why its complex and multifaceted nature has been overlooked for so long. The peculiar performance errors and unconventional constructions that characterize conversation pose significant challenges to traditional syntactic theory, leading to the development of various methodologies in the field of inquiry. These methodologies range from Gricean theories of conversational implicature to ethnomethodological conversational analysis.

Conversation and Discourse is an essential resource for scholars and researchers in the fields of linguistics, language, and literature. It provides a rich and diverse perspective on the complexities of conversational interaction, shedding light on the diverse methodologies employed to analyze it. By examining the papers included in this collection, readers gain a deeper understanding of the nuances and complexities of human communication, which is crucial for advancing our knowledge of language and society.

In conclusion, Conversation and Discourse is a groundbreaking work that offers valuable insights into the study of conversational analysis. Its comprehensive coverage of different approaches, coupled with its rigorous academic approach, makes it a must-read for scholars and researchers in the field. By exploring the complexities of human communication, this book contributes to our understanding of language and society, and lays the foundation for future research and exploration in this area.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032270326