analysing spoken texts Flashcards
schema
the ‘rules’ of talking in a certain situation
e.g. in a resturant they ask what drinks you want first then you answer then it is for your meal
the cooperative principle
-Grice maxims
the assumption that participants will communicate in a certain way (of the 4 maxims)
what are the 4 maxims Grice identifies as expectated ways of communication?
- quantity: not too much/little
- quality: each speaker says what is true
- relation: each speaker says something relevent
- manner: each speaker says somehting clear
flouting a maxim
causes a conversation to break down due to not following the rules governed by the use of maxims
e.g. talking over someone = maxim of quality
what did Robin Lakoff say in addition to Grice’s maxims?
- draws attention to 3 rules/maxims which she terms the politeness priniciple
- these are: don’t impose, give options, make your reciever feel good
what does Goffman explain is face?
the image that we present of ourselves to others and how we wish to be percieved in various contexts.
FACE is maintained by audience, not by the speaker. Achieved by listener showing respect and consideration towards speaker.
briefy explain Goffmans FACE theory
-2 types of FACE
positive face: is the desire to be accepted, appreciated, and liked by others.
negative face: the need to be independent, to have freedom of action, and not to be imposed on by others.
briefly explain Goffmans positive politeness
- give 3 potential features
involves appealing to a person’s positive face, which is their desire to be liked and appreciated and included by others.
features examples: paying them compliments “thats a nice dress”, paying attention to other speaker (show sympathy, interest, approval), use colloquial language to show you’re on equal footing
briefly explain Goffmans negative politeness
- give 3 potential features
when you show that you are avoiding intruding on anothers life, not imposing your presence, not prying into their personal affairs, offering a choice.
language that is respectful, apologetic and respectful.
e.g. being pessimistic (“I know this is a stupid idea but..”), being apologetic (“sorry to bother you, but..”), offering a choice (“could you..”)
briefly explain Goffmans face threataning acts (FTA’s)
- threaten positive face by insults or criticisms - explicit or implied (“i don’t like your dress..”)
- you can mitigate/soften the threat by using positive politeness to reduce social distance (“I really like you, but I have a slight issue with your dress”)
- threaten negative face by disturbig/bothering (“you -bradley- stand up and tell me the answer”)
- can mitigate the threat by using negative politeness (“Would you mind having a go at this wuestion, Bradley”)
what did Goffman suggest is footing?
stance or posture that people assume in a given frame. It can shift during an interaction to indicate a change in roles, engagement, or alignment with the action.
- e.g. a speaker can adopt a different footing when eavesdropping
interactional langauge
the language of informal speech. It has a social function with the purpose to develop relationships between speakers.
referential langauge
provides listener with information.
Used to refer to objects or abstract concepts.
Speaker assumes knowledge from listener so they have to understand the context to make sense of deictic references
e.g. the parcel is being delivered here at two o’clock
expressive language
highlights speakers emotions, feelings and attitudes about another person, event or situation.
e.g. this really can’t be allowed to continue (.) my friends (3) it’s a total disgrace.
transactional language
about getting information or making a deal (e.g. buying or selling)
Has a specific purpose so it’s driven by needs and wants rather than sociability.
e.g. person a) could you tell me where I can get a work experience form please?
person b) they’re just in the office (.) if you go to the top floor and turn right you will see them
