Structures of Social Action

The approach and findings of conversation analysis are having a growing impact across a range of social and behavioural science disciplines. This book reflects recent developments and current interests in the field by bringing together thirteen original papers by its leading American and British res [...]
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The approach and findings of conversation analysis are having a growing impact across a range of social and behavioural science disciplines. This book reflects recent developments and current interests in the field by bringing together thirteen original papers by its leading American and British researchers. They report empirical findings from studies of audio- and video taped recordings of naturally occurring interaction in a variety of conversational and other contexts. Also included are two previously unpublished papers by the late Harvey Sacks, whose work has been highly influencial in shaping the field. The collection represents the most comprehensive statement yet to be published on this type of research. It begins with a general introductory section in which the theoretical and methodological foundations of conversation analysis are outlined. Subsequent chapters focus on the workings of particular sequences of interaction and develop some of the main themes to have emerged from previous research. These include the organization of preference, topic, ‘nonvocal’ activities, and apparently spontaneous responses such as laughter and applause. This book will be a valuable resource for all those interested in the study of social interaction and language use, as well as the research applications of audio- and video-recording technology in related fields throughout the human sciences.