The Language of Turn & Sequence - LAN00034I
Module summary
Conversation is the most basic and widespread use of language. In this module, you will study the mechanics of conversation, learn about the field of conversation analysis (CA), and gain hand-on experience in doing CA by recording and analysing a conversation of your own.
Module will run
Occurrence | Teaching period |
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A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
The module aims to
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introduce the core theory and key findings of conversation analysis (CA)
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intorduce basic research methods (data collection, transcription, and analysis)
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develop your ability to analyse linguistics data
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develop your academic writing skills
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prepare for further study in the area of language use and social interaction
Module learning outcomes
At the end of the module you will be able to
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record everyday conversations ethically
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transcribe conversations at a fine level of detail using a standard transcription system
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identify interactional practices and phenomena in recorded conversations
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build and analyse a collection of comparable data extracts
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write about conversation and language use in a precise and technical way
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understand the basic mechanics of conversation
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analyse short segments of conversation, both those provided to you and those you identify yourself
Module content
In this module, you will study the organisation of conversation at the finest level of detail, both theoretically and empirically. You will be introduced to conversation analysis (CA), a data-driven method for the study of conversation and talk-in-interaction. You will learn about, and learn how to analyse, the basic mechanics of conversation, which includes
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turn-taking - how opportunities to speak are allocated;
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action-sequencing - how turns at talk by successive speakers form coherent courses of action;
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repair - how speakers resolve troubles of speaking, hearing, and understanding; and
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preference organisation - biases in practices of speaking that favour social affiliation over disaffiliation.
The module combines lectures that cover the core theory and key findings of CA with hands-on practical sessions in which you will develop the skills necessary to do CA, including recording conversation, transcribing data, building collections of conversational phenomena, and writing up analyses.
Indicative assessment
Task | % of module mark |
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Essay/coursework | 90 |
Essay/coursework | 10 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Students will receive immediate feedback from the module tutor and peers as they present and discuss their analyses during practical sessions. Weekly formative exercises may be submitted for additional written feedback, and model answers for formative exercises and summative assessments will be available on the VLE.
Indicative reading
Required textbook:
Clift, R. (2016). Conversation Analysis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.