Conversation Analysis - Assignment Example

A apologizes for not being in a position to place the order and explains. Thus, he performs a face-threatening act. Moves Line (6A) directs an effective move. Bis compelled to work out the price immediately, the way it is stated. However, an interception sequence follows unexpectedly. Adjacency pairs Line (4B) is a question but it is not followed by an answer till the end. The question inline (6A) is answered inline (9B). The tag question inline (10A) is immediately followed by an affirmative in (11B).

Another tag question inline (13A) is followed by an answer inline (14B). (11A) is an apology followed by minimizing through the word ‘Okay’, by the shopkeeper and rounding off the conversation. Politeness Principle The conversation begins with a note of politeness on the part of the customer in line (1A) B offers to work out the price in line (7B) and A thanks to him for it inline (8A). Both have followed the politeness principle. Very politely, A apologizes and expresses his regret for not being in a position to place the order immediately.

His polite refusal ‘sorry’ inline (16A) is accepted with equal politeness by the shopkeeper with the single, simple word ’okay’ in line (17B). Maxims of relevance and quality are observed by both speakers. The situation made the customer rather hesitant, and he used some ‘er’s, ‘eh’ and ‘Uhm during the discourse, just enough to get time to think (fillers) yet he maintained the continuous flow. Pauses There is a long pause inline (8A), about 10 seconds.

This is a planned pause to allow the shopkeeper enough time to work out the price. Another small pause inline (12A) is filler, where the customer is indecisive and gives himself time to think before he commits. Slight pauses and repetitions and fillers are characteristic in the lines of the customer, (lines 5A, 6A, 12A, 15A, and 16A ) which reveal that he was not prepared for the price, and is compelled to cancel his original intention of placing the order.