Nonformal institutional interaction in a conversation club: Conversation partners' questions. Issue 3 (13th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hauser, Eric
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied linguistics and professional practice. Volume 5:Issue 3(2008)
• Page Start: 275
• Page End: 295
• Publication Date: 2015-09-13
• Subjects: pivoting -- conversation analysis -- nonformal institutional interaction -- serial-questioning -- conversation club; Applied linguistics -- Periodicals; 418.005
• DOI: 10.1558/japl.v5i3.275
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3658

Abstract

Abstract : The data analyzed in this paper come from audio-recorded interaction among first and second language speakers of English at a conversation club sponsored by an English language school. As the analysis shows, the interaction in the conversation club can be understood as a type of non-formal institutional interaction. The analysis focuses on the questions asked by the first language speakers, or conversation partners. In particular, it focuses on the questioning styles of serial-questioning and pivoting. In addition, the conversation partners tend to assume a discourse identity as primary participant within the participation framework, a discourse identity that they work to maintain and, when necessary, re-establish. As non-formal institutional interaction, it does not involve turn pre-allocation or restrictions on the type of turn that participants may take. It is, though, oriented toward the fulfilment of institutionally relevant goals.