Conversation Analysis

Conversation Analysis

Mum - it’s a bit foggy out

Nicole - it’s not that bad

Mum - we were in Maldon, it was really bad

Nicole - it’s not that bad on the motorway/           oh my god scariest driver on the motorway I came onto the a one two seven through a slip road a man tried to pull onto the slip road almost hit me

Mum - i don’t get what you mean

Nicole - like he thought it was an exit

Mum - ahh I got you

Nicole - gym clothes are so expensive

Mum - yeah where you looking should look on Adidas or in the outlet store

Nicole - yeah I suppose

This conversation is between a mother and daughter, it is an informal conversation which has very little significance. It is simply a remark on the weather, which leads to recalling a significant event earlier in the day. This then develops on to a completely different topic, as both participants have their attention divided and do not have much care for the current topic.

Both participants are already aware of one another’s presence, this is why there is no sign of greeting each other from the start. Most sentences spoken are grammatically incorrect; they are too short to be correct. This is as a result of informality and the participants having little reason to speak correctly, as it takes more time.

Nicole especially has little concern for the fog, having not picked the topic. With this in mind, Nicole is speaking and then interrupts herself because she has just recalled an earlier incident when she speaks of the ‘motorway/’. The phrase ‘oh my god’ emphasises her shock, it is a colloquial saying which initially looks as though she is concerned with god, however it actually has very little involvement with god.

The phrase ‘I got you’ is intended to mean that she understands what the other participant is saying rather, than actually having possession of them. This is a colloquial phrase but will most likely be understood by all.

The phrase ‘yeah I suppose’ is known as ‘back-channelling’, this is used to give the other speaker feedback that what they are saying is being understood, showing that Nicole is listening and has taken on board Mum’s advice. The word ‘suppose’ is known as ‘hedging’, this is to show uncertainty but in this situation I believe it also shows that Nicole’s attention is divided and isn’t really listening to Mum.

When Nicole says ‘so’ she is exaggerating her shock towards the substantial amount clothes cost. This is recognised as ‘expressive language’ which is used to develop one’s emotions.