Conversational Features

Question 1

Phatic Talk

Answer 1

‘Small talk’, not informative

Question 2

Adjacency pairs

Answer 2

A unit of conversation that contains and exchange of one turn each by 2 speakers
Eg “Hello”
“Hello”

Question 3

Gate keeping

Answer 3

Process in which information is filtered - people choose what they do and don’t say

Question 4

Seizing the floor

Answer 4

Interrupting/taking control over the conversation

Question 5

Dominance .

Answer 5

Power and influence over the conversation

Question 6

Hedging

Answer 6

Making a statement less forceful or assertive

Question 7

Upward convergence

Answer 7

RP accent used by a regional speaker to show they like the other person/ respect for their accent

Question 8

Downward convergence

Answer 8

RP speakers use a regional accent to show they like that person

Question 9

Mutual convergence

Answer 9

Both speakers move towards each others accents to show that they like each other

Question 10

Positive politeness

Answer 10

Shows interest in hearer, seeks agreement

Question 11

Negative politeness

Answer 11

Indirect, minimises imposition (talking about something they don’t want to)

Question 12

Face needs

Answer 12

Positive - Our need to be respected, honoured, included

Negative - The desire to not be intruded, imposed upon etc

Question 13

Closing sequence

Answer 13

Referring back to something previously said, to end conversation
Eg - “You did find your bags in the end, and that’s all that matters.”
OR
Expressing good wishes