Power in language: Asymmetry

Question 1

What is asymmetry?

Answer 1

power and balances of power and knowledge

Question 2

Define ‘normative’

Answer 2

any deviation from a particular turn-taking system is sanctionable

Question 3

Heritage 1984 quote

Answer 3

“institutional contexts are created as visible states of affairs on a turn-by-turn basis. It is ultimately through such means that ‘institutions’ exist as accountable organizations of social actions”

Question 4

How is the turn-taking system modified in formal situations? 3 types

Answer 4

1. turn pre-allocation (press conferences) – one person speaks at a time
2. turn-type pre-allocation (interviews) – the interviewer asks the question and the recipient must wait
3. turn mediation (debates) – e.g. there is a chair for the person being asked

Question 5

Name the 6 basic steps to asses the institutionality of interaction

Answer 5

1. Turn-taking organization
2. structure organizaition
3. sequence organization
4. turn-design
5. lexical choice
6. Epistemological and other forms of asymmetry

Question 6

Define ‘continuua’

Answer 6

sound fillers like: “mm-hmmm”/”uh-huu”… used to make other interlocutor carry on their explanatio

Question 7

define ‘resisting asymmetry’

Answer 7

1. urgency of defence = resisting the “banging” being called “knocking”
2. Health visitor = the tag question pushes back the expert/novice proposal from the health visitor. Mother positions herself as being fully aware of parenthood/needed knowledge