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Marking the interaction order: The social consitution of turn exchange and speaking turns

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 December 2008

Rita Denny
Rita Denny
Affiliation:
Planmetrics, Inc., New York City
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Abstract

This paper is about turn exchanges, the structure of speaking turns and the relationship of nonverbal behavior to both exchanges and turns. Its purpose is to present a conceptual framework for analyzing and interpreting turn exchange and speaking turns, and data are cited when possible. First discussed are specific forms of exchange such as “smooth” and “simultaneous.” The Praguean concept of functional differentiation is invoked to argue that forms of turn exchange have indexical value. The relationship of nonverbal behavior to turn exchange is then discussed. An analysis of videotaped, dyadic interactions between strangers, “getting acquainted” conversation, is reported in order to demonstrate that the nonoverlapping exchange has structurally, hence indexically. distinct forms. These forms, defined by both verbal and nonverbal elements, are ordered in a hierarchy of pragmatic markedness. It is concluded that differentiating pragmatic markedness in conversational patterns is a powerful device for determining indexical features of conversation and thus of relevance for a semiotic understanding of everyday speech.

Type
Articles
Information
Language in Society , Volume 14 , Issue 1 , March 1985 , pp. 41 - 62
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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