This introduction is designed to give an overview of conversation analysis. It begins by locating conversation analysis as a methodology amongst other methodologies, and describing conversation analysis as body of knowledge which reveals the ways in which language works in communication. The chapters introduce every aspect of conversation analysis in a logical, step-by-step examination, including coverage of transcription, turn-taking, sequence organisation, repair, and storytelling. Comprehensive and accessible, "An Introduction to Conversation Analysis" is essential reading for undergraduate and graduate students in sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, sociology and applied linguistics courses.

Table of Contents

1. Conversation and Conversation Analysis; 2. Transcribing Conversation; 3. Turn-taking in Conversation; 4. Gaps and Overlaps in Turn-Taking; 5. Adjacency Pairs and Preference Organisation; 6. Expanding Sequences; 7. Repair; 8. Opening Conversation; 9. Closing Conversation; 10. Conversational Storytelling; References.

Author Biography

Dr. Anthony J. Liddicoat is at the Research Centre for Languages and Cultures Education, University of South Australia.