Even though the computer plays a significant role in modern communication, it could not replace the telephone as an communication tool, whose history goes back to the 19th century. In contrast to face-to-face interaction participants do not have the opportunity to involve gesture, facial expressions or eye contact in telephone conversations and therefore have lesser possibilities to manage turntaking within these conversations.
In this paper I will have a closer look at how turntaking in English telephone conversations works. First I will explain the turntaking model, which was developed by Sacks, Schegloff and Jefferson, and analyze examples from recorded telephone conversations. After concentrating on Transition Relevance Places, I will also analyze overlaps, asking for clarification and back-channel-responses. Following this, I will have a look at adjacency pais in telephone conversation. Finally, I will conclude by summarizing my findings.
The data which will be analyzed in this paper, was derived from two telephone conversations, which were recorded and afterwards partly transcribed. In each case one of the participants was a native speaker of English and the other a native speaker of German. The examples found in this paper are taken from this data. However, in most cases only one or two examples are taken from the transcript, as an analysis of more examples would exceed the scope of this paper.

Excerpt

1. INTRODUCTION
2. TURN-TAKING IN ENGLISH TELEPHONE CONVERSATION
- 2.1. TURN-TAKING MODEL BY SACKS, SCHEGLOFF AND JEFFERSON
- 2.2. TRANSITION RELEVANCE PLACES IN TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS
- 2.3. OVERLAPS, ASKING FOR CLARIFICATION AND BACK-CHANNEL BEHAVIOR
3. THE ROLE OF ADJACENCY PAIRS IN TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS
- 3.1. PREFERRED VERSUS DISPREFERRED SECOND PARTS
- 3.2. ADJACENCY PAIRS IN OPENING AND CLOSING SEQUENCES OF TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS
4. CONCLUSION

Objectives and Key Themes

This paper aims to analyze turn-taking mechanisms in English telephone conversations. It examines the Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson turn-taking model and applies it to examples from recorded conversations between native English and German speakers. The analysis focuses on how participants manage transitions between turns, handle overlaps and clarification requests, and utilize adjacency pairs.

Turn-taking in English telephone conversations
The Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson turn-taking model
Transition Relevance Places (TRPs)
Adjacency pairs in telephone conversations
Overlaps, clarification requests, and back-channel behavior

Chapter Summaries

1. INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter establishes the context of the study by highlighting the continued importance of the telephone in communication despite the rise of computers. It emphasizes the unique challenges of turn-taking in telephone conversations due to the absence of non-verbal cues. The chapter outlines the paper's structure, stating that it will examine the Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson turn-taking model, analyze examples from recorded conversations, and focus on TRPs, overlaps, clarification requests, back-channel responses, and adjacency pairs. The data source, consisting of transcribed telephone conversations between native English and German speakers, is also briefly introduced.

2. TURN-TAKING IN ENGLISH TELEPHONE CONVERSATION: This chapter introduces the concept of turn-taking in conversation, highlighting its importance in managing telephone interactions. It contrasts telephone conversations with face-to-face interactions, noting the absence of non-verbal cues in telephone conversations. The chapter establishes the lack of predetermined rules regarding turn length and speaker selection, using examples from the transcribed data to illustrate the variability in turn length and speaker allocation. The chapter lays the groundwork for the subsequent discussion of the Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson turn-taking model.

3. THE ROLE OF ADJACENCY PAIRS IN TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS: This chapter delves into the concept of adjacency pairs, examining their structure and function within the context of telephone conversations. It differentiates between preferred and dispreferred second parts of adjacency pairs and explores how these pairings contribute to the overall structure and flow of conversation. The chapter analyzes adjacency pairs found in the opening and closing sequences of the telephone conversations used in the study. The chapter connects the occurrence of adjacency pairs to the overall management of turn-taking and the flow of the conversation, highlighting how these pairs function within the broader context of the Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson model.

Keywords

Turn-taking, telephone conversations, Sacks-Schegloff-Jefferson model, Transition Relevance Places (TRPs), adjacency pairs, conversational analysis, English language, cross-cultural communication.

FAQ: Analysis of Turn-Taking in English Telephone Conversations

What is the main topic of this paper?

This paper analyzes turn-taking mechanisms in English telephone conversations, focusing on how participants manage transitions between turns, handle overlaps and clarification requests, and utilize adjacency pairs. It specifically applies the Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson turn-taking model to examples from recorded conversations between native English and German speakers.

What models and theories are used in the analysis?

The core theoretical framework is the Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson turn-taking model. The analysis also examines concepts like Transition Relevance Places (TRPs) and adjacency pairs to understand the structure and flow of telephone conversations.

What kind of data is used in the analysis?

The data consists of transcribed telephone conversations between native English and German speakers. This allows for a cross-cultural comparison, although the focus remains on the English language usage.

What are the key themes explored in the paper?

Key themes include turn-taking strategies in telephone conversations, the application of the Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson model to telephone interactions, the role of TRPs in turn transitions, the function of adjacency pairs (including preferred and dispreferred responses), the handling of overlaps and clarification requests, and back-channel behavior.

What are the chapter summaries?

Chapter 1 (Introduction): Sets the context, highlighting the importance of telephone communication and the unique challenges of turn-taking in this modality. It outlines the study's structure and data source.

Chapter 2 (Turn-Taking in English Telephone Conversations): Introduces turn-taking concepts, contrasting telephone and face-to-face interactions. It explores the variability in turn length and speaker allocation, laying groundwork for the Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson model.

Chapter 3 (The Role of Adjacency Pairs in Telephone Conversations): Focuses on adjacency pairs, differentiating between preferred and dispreferred responses. It analyzes their role in opening and closing sequences and their connection to overall turn-taking management.

Chapter 4 (Conclusion): [Details not provided in the preview]

What are the key words associated with this paper?