Useful information about what happens when native speakers have a conversation and how this can be applied in the English class

1. CONVERSATION

2. CONVERSATION
What is conversation?
• We can describe a
conversation as the
time when two or more
people have the right to
talk or listen without
having to follow a fixed
schedule.

3. CONVERSATION
What is conversation?
• In a conversation
everyone has
something to say and
anyone can speak at
any time

4. The Functions of Conversation
• exchange of information
• creation and maintenance of social
relationships
• negotiation of status and social roles
• deciding on and carrying out joint actions

5. The Units of Conversation
EXCHANGE
An exchange consists of two moves or turns (an
initiating move and a response).
These can be verbal or non-verbal.

6. • Let’s analyze the following exchange structure:
• A: Jane.
• B: Yes?
• A: Could I use your printer?
• B: Sure, it’s already on.
• A: Thanks a lot.

7. Illustration of move and exchange structure
Jane Turn 1
Exchange 1
call
Turn 2 Yes?
available
Could I use
your Turn 3
printer? Exchange 2
request Sure, it’s
Turn 4
already on.
comply Exchange 3
Thanks a lot Turn 5
thank

8. Not all exchanges are conversations!!!
• A: Hi!
Exchange 1
• B: Hi!

9. Not all exchanges are conversations!!!
• A: How much are the oranges?
Exchange 1
• B: Eighteen pence each, madam.
• A: I’ll have two, please.
Exchange 2
• B: That’s thirty-six pence.

10. What do native speakers do in
conversation?
• There are certain rules in conversation.
• For instance:
usually only one person speaks at a time
the speakers change
the length of any contribution varies
there are techniques for allowing the other party or parties to speak
neither the content nor the amount of what we say is specified in advance

11. The Co-operative Principle
• The maxim of quality
Make your contribution one that is true
 Do not say what you believe is false
 Do not say anything for which you lack
adequate evidence

12. The Co-operative Principle
• The maxim of quantity
Make your contribution just as informative as
required and no more

13. The Co-operative Principle
• The maxim of relation
Make your contribution relevant and timely

14. The Co-operative Principle
• The maxim of manner
Avoid obscurity and ambiguity

15. Topics
• Different cultures talk about different things in
their everyday lives. Native speakers are very
aware of what they should and should not talk
about with specific categories of people in their
own language, but the rules may be different in a
foreign language.
• In this sense, What is considered a ‘taboo’
subject?
What do you consider an offence?