Conversation Analysis

By Rebecca Clift | Publisher: Cambridge University Press

About the book

We live our lives in conversation, building families, societies and civilisations. In over seven thousand languages across the world, the basic infrastructure by which we communicate remains the same. This is the first ever book-length linguistic introduction to conversation analysis (CA), the field that has done more than any other to illuminate the mechanics of interaction. Starting by locating CA by reference to a number of cognate disciplines investigating language in use, it provides an overview of the origins and methodology of CA. By using conversational data from a range of languages, it examines the basic apparatus of sequence organisation: turn-taking, preference, identity construction and repair. As the basis for these investigations, the book uses the twin analytic resources of action and sequence to throw new light on the origins and nature of language use.

Editions of Conversation Analysis

Hardcover
ISBN 9780521198509
Paperback
ISBN 9780521157193

Read an Excerpt

We live our lives in conversation, building families, societies and civilisations. In over seven thousand languages across the world, the basic infrastructure by which we communicate remains the same. This is the first ever book-length linguistic introduction to conversation analysis (CA), the field that has done more than any other to illuminate the mechanics of interaction. Starting by locating CA by reference to a number of cognate disciplines investigating language in use, it provides an overview of the origins and methodology of CA. By using conversational data from a range of languages, it examines the basic apparatus of sequence organisation: turn-taking, preference, identity construction and repair. As the basis for these investigations, the book uses the twin analytic resources of action and sequence to throw new light on the origins and nature of language use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Conversation Analysis about?

We live our lives in conversation, building families, societies and civilisations. In over seven thousand languages across the world, the basic infrastructure by which we communicate remains the same. This is the first ever book-length linguistic introduction to conversation analysis (CA), the field that has done more than any other to illuminate the mechanics of interaction. Starting by locating CA by reference to a number of cognate disciplines investigating language in use, it provides an overview of the origins and methodology of CA. By using conversational data from a range of languages, it examines the basic apparatus of sequence organisation: turn-taking, preference, identity construction and repair. As the basis for these investigations, the book uses the twin analytic resources of action and sequence to throw new light on the origins and nature of language use.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Conversation Analysis?

Language and Linguistics > Linguistics > Sociolinguistics

Where can I read a sample of Conversation Analysis?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780521198509

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Conversation Analysis?

Rebecca Clift

Who is the Publisher of the book Conversation Analysis?

Cambridge University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Conversation Analysis is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780521198509) and paperback(ISBN 9780521157193)