Conversation Analysis of Selection Communication in a Group of Friends - Movie Review Example

November 19, Conversation Analysis of Movie Selection Communication in a Group of Friends This conversation happened in the context of a group that was deciding what movie to watch last November 15, 2014. They talked at a coffee shop which had few customers during this time. See Appendix A for the “Conversation Transcription with Analysis.” Six college friends wanted to watch a movie as a group, but they had a conflict due to personal movie preferences. Two of these students are Chinese, eighteen-year old Kary, an international student who has been living in American for four years, and nineteen-year old, Liang. Liang is born in the U.S. Two are white Americans and both nineteen years old, Lucas and Sheila. The remaining two are African Americans, eighteen-year old Anna and twenty-year old Farid. Kary and Liang are from wealthy families, as well as Lucas and Sheila. Anna is a working student (a part-time waitress in two fast food restaurants) and is from a low-income family, while Farid comes from a middle-class family. Farid works part-time for his father who has a laundry business. The original group consisted of Lucas, Farid, and Sheila. They became friends with Kary and Liang last year. The newest friend is Anna. Anna is a distant cousin of Farid. Their common interests are their love for theater and movies and passion for communications and media studies. This conversation analysis shows the complexity of communication practices wherein race, gender, social class, and membership status affected communication practices and styles. Findings Control of Conversation Lucas is the conversational narcissist because he controlled the conversation through interruptions, self-selection turns, shift responses, directives, assertives, and fast tempo and loud tone of voice. He frequently interrupted others when they were making their points or expressing their responses. He interrupted both male and female friends. He interrupted his friends four times, while another dominant male, Farid, interrupted others twice. For instance, Anna was talking about the movie she wanted, when Lucas interrupted to say: “What? You want to think more after thinking about classes and papers?” His answer was also a form of assertive that described what Anna wanted in a film. Lucas also disrupted Kary when she said that she wanted to watch the Theory of Everything. Kary was still describing why she liked the movie, when Lucas interrupted and said: “Well, well, so it’s a majority vote?” This is a directive that suggests a voting decision-making process. Moreover, Lucas used the most number of self-selection turns. He started the conversation during pauses four times. He also used shift responses more than others with 9 shift responses. In addition, every time Lucas interrupted others or selected his turn, he made sure to include directives (n=8) and assertives (n=9). For example, when he selected to continue the conversation after asking Sheila about the title of the film that Anna and Kary wanted to watch, he said: “That one (paused), that’s a fucking love story! (swearing) (assertive) And science! In one! Oh men, let’s go for the fucking hilarious! (directive).” He asserted what Theory of Everything was about in a belittling, though humor-toned, language and directed them to watch a comedy film instead. Most of his interruptions were also louder in tone and faster in tempo. He liked stressing his words, especially when making directives and assertive. Lucas combined verbal and nonverbal components of communication in controlling the conversation. Gender-Based Language Men used more taboo language than women, as well as more directives. Men used taboo language 8 times, while the women did not use any. Men also used more directives than women. Men used 10 directives, while women used 5. Women used more assertives, support responses, pauses, and minimal responses. Women also used more non-verbal expressions, such as silence and touching others, than men. Culture, Social Class, and Membership Status The Chinese spoke with fewer words and had fewer turns than the whites and blacks. They had more pauses in their speech than whites and blacks too. The whites had the least pauses. The whites had the most self-selection turns and interruptions too, men and women included. Anna had the most number of pauses and support responses compared to the upper and middle-class others. In addition, the original group, Lucas, Farid, and Sheila, had the most turns, while Liang had the fewest number of turns. Discussion This conversation shows that race, social class, and gender have a large role in affecting conversation narcissism. Lucas is the conversational narcissist because he controlled the conversation through interruptions, self-selection turns, shift responses, directives, assertives, and fast tempo and loud tone of voice. He did not seem to care much for the ideas of women, whom he frequently interrupted, although he showed concern for Anna when it appeared that his suggestion of treating her out offended her. It appears that coming from a privileged social class may have decreased his empathy for others, while enhancing his sense of superiority. At the same time, the intersection between his gender, race, and social class could contribute to his narcissism (Kunsmann). Being a white male from the upper class might have helped contribute to his dominating communication style (Reznik). Gender is an important factor to consider when analyzing conversations too. Although women also used directives, they were fewer than men’s directives. Women used more assertives and tag questions. They also had some no responses and delayed responses, as well as more pauses, support responses, and minimal responses. Sheila used more directives than Kary and Anna, which could indicate that social status, gender, and race affect the use of turns and directives more than gender alone (Kunsmann). In addition, women also used more empathetic and cooperative support responses and questions than men. Sheila supported Lucas more, while Kary and Anna supported each other. Sheila was also more open to other options than Lucas. Farid, however, shows more cooperative and support responses than Lucas. Kary and Liang are the quietest in the group though, probably because they are Chinese and practice face-saving communication approaches (Robinson 132). Anna had the lowest voice, which could be explained by being new to the group and being aware that she is the only working-class student in it. Furthermore, though Lucas is a conversational narcissist, he showed empathy towards Anna too. He did not act as a complete narcissist and showed concern for the happiness of the whole group. Conclusion Race, gender, social class, and membership status affected the communication patterns in this conversation. Lucas dominated the conversation, probably because of his racial, economic, and cultural background. He also used taboo language with ease, but he swore in a good-natured, humorous way. The Chinese were the least participative and showed face-saving techniques. Anna also participated less than Sheila, but probably because she was new, although she might also be self-conscious that she was the “poorest” in the group. Women showed gender-specific language through showing more assertives and supportive turns and responses, although men indicated respect for women too through their supportive responses for them. My personal reflection is that I expected these communication patterns, where I knew that communication is a complex product of various factors, including race, gender, social class, and membership status. Women knew how to use directives and did not like being pushed around, but they were more cooperative and sympathetic in language and non-verbal communication cues than men. I am surprised though that Lucas was concerned of hurting Anna’s feelings and that Anna made a strong stand to not be a “charity case.” Being part of the lower social class made her defensive, but not completely passive to the upper class. I find the ending still aligned with what Lucas wanted, however, which showed that his dominating nature swayed the conversation to his self-interest. Nonetheless, as he himself noted, he did watch something that he did not prefer the last time. In addition, being a long-time member in the group gives authority to them more than new ones. In essence, people are too dynamic and complex to be boxed in gender, race, and class stereotypes. I believe that multi-racial, multi-gender, and multi-class friendships are improving how people relate to one another by improving their empathy and awareness for each other’s differences. Works Cited Kunsmann, Peter. “Gender, Status and Power in Discourse Behavior of Men and Women.” Linguistik Online 5.1 (2000). Web. 16 Nov. 2014. Reznik, Deirdre. “Gender in Interruptive Turns at Talk-In-Interaction.” Teachers College, Columbia University Working Papers in TESOL & Applied Linguistics 4 (2005): 1-12. Web. 16 Nov. 2014. Robinson, Douglas. Introducing Performative Pragmatics. New York: Routledge. Print. Appendix A: Conversation Transcription with Analysis After they all sat, Sheila started the conversation. Sheila: Okay guys, so there’s so many movies right now, but what do you wanna watch? (She swiftly looked around her.) (directive) Lucas: (self-selection) Well, I want to watch Dumb and Dumber To of course! With all our papers and projects (assertive), I (paused) we all need (emphasized “need”) a good laugh. We’re watching that for sure! (directive, command).Yup, right? Farid spoke at the same time as Sheila. Farid: (interruption) I dunno. (paused) I kinda want a different thing. I just watched a comedy film last week. (assertive) (fast tempo) (shift response). Lucas: So? We watch another one! (directive) (shift response). Sheila: I loved the first movie! Carrey is so hilarious! (assertive) Can we watch that? (fast tempo) (support response for Lucas) (support question) Farid: I actually prefer Interstellar. (assertive) How about you Anna? (selected the next turn). (shift response). Anna: Uhm, (paused) well, I want to watch (paused) Theory of Everything (in a low tone of voice) (assertive). (shift response). Lucas: (interruption) What? You want to think more after thinking about classes and papers? (assertive) Anna, you’re such a fucking (swearing) nerdie (good-humored tone). I mean, we all are nerds here, but common guys (assertive), I vote for Dumb and Dumber To! (directive). (looked at Anna, gave the turn to her). (shift response). Anna: Well, (paused) if that’s what yall want, (paused) then I’m in. (assertive) (She smiled sheepishly). (support response) Farid: How about you guys? (referred to Kary and Liang and looked at them). (self-selection turn) (shift response). Kary: Uhm (in a low tone of voice) (paused) hmmm. I actually want to watch (paused) Theory of Everything too (paused) sorry Lucas and Sheila. It’s a good movie too, isn’t it? (tag question) I’m a huge fan of Stephen Hawking (paused) and I…(shift response). (assertive). Lucas: (interrupted Kary) Well, well, so it’s a majority vote? Common Liang, we’ve talked about Dumb and Dumber To last month! We’re so excited! (assertive) What the fuck! (swearing) Remember the extra gloves of Carrey? We must (emphasis on “must”) watch it! (louder tone than usual). (directive) (looked at Liang and gave the turn to him) (shift response). Liang: (paused and breathed deeply) Lucas, I know, but (paused) I want to watch Interstellar. (assertive) (fast tempo). (shift response). Farid and Lucas talked at the same time. Farid: There’s two of us now (assertive) (smiled). (fist bumped Liang). (shift response). Lucas: (self-selection turn) No, dude! (grimaced, loud voice) That’s fucked up man! (swearing) What is Interstellar about? A bunch of sciencey stuff! We need humor! We need comedy! (assertive) And (paused) what’s the other fucking (swearing) movie? (He glanced at Shiela). (shift response). Shiela: Theory of Everything. Lucas: That one (paused), that’s a fucking love story! (swearing) And science! In one! Oh men, let’s go for the fucking hilarious! (swearing) (assertive) The last time we watched a friggin’ documentary! Please, we will watch Dumb and Dumber To, right? (directive) (shift response). Shiela: I agree with Lucas. (supportive assertion) I think it’s a good film (hedge). Theory of Everything sounds good (cooperative), but don’t we all want a break from all the seriousness of life? (assertive) Don’t we all… (supportive question) (support response). Farid: (interruption) But Lucas and Shiela, we don’t like (emphasis on “like”) Dumb and Dumber To. It’s gonna be a waste of good money! (paused). (assertive). Besides, Anna and Kary don’t even like it too! (shook his head) (shift response). Shiela: (self-selection turn) So we have three options, Dumb and Dumber To, Theory of Everything, and Interstellar. (assertive) Are we going to vote for it or try to reach a consensus? (directive) (paused) Or…(shift response). Lucas: (interruption) What is wrong with you guys? (lower voice). You’re making me fucking (swearing) crazy with this voting stuff. (assertive) (shift response). The group was quiet for a few seconds. Anna: (self-selection turn) I think (paused) uhm can’t we just watch different movies? (directive) (shift response). Shiela, Lucas, and Farid all said “No!” (shift response). (assertive) Lucas: (self-selection) We watch as a team. (assertive) (fist bumped with Farid). Bro, we’re going for Dumb and Dumber To or I’m going crazy! (directive) (looked at Farid) (shift response). Lucas: Now what? (continuation of turn) (shift response). Farid: (self-selection turn) Uhm (paused) Can’t we watch all three movies? But we’re watching Interstellar first (smiled at Lucas), yeah bro? Give in to me (acted like he was hypnotizing Lucas). (directive) Fuck dumb and dumber… (shift response). Anna: (self-selection turn) (paused) Hmm… I dunno. (paused) Three movies? (shift response). Kary: Hmmm (minimal response) Farid: (paused) I’ll treat you Anna, no problem. (directive) Okay? (shift response). Anna: No, no! (in loud tone)That’s not fair for you. (paused) It’s like…(unsupportive response) Lucas: (interrupted) Then, we’ll all split it! (directive) Okay? (support response). Anna: (self-selection turn) But (paused) I’m not a charity case (assertive) (She looked down with a flushed face). (paused) It’s not like…(shift response). Lucas: (interrupted) Dang Anna! Stop that shit! (swearing) (directive) We ain’t lowering you or anything! We just simply want to watch our movies! (paused). (assertive) (looked uncomfortable at the awkward silence from Anna, gender-specific response) (paused). (shift response). Sheila: (self-selection turn) Anna, sorry, that’s not what we mean. I mean (paused) no. We just want to watch, well. (supportive response) Anna, common, let’s treat you out for this time. (directive) Please? (She touched Anna’s right hand). (gender-specific empathy, non-verbal expression) (paused). (support response). Anna: Hmmm (paused) I don’t like it. (assertive) Sorry. (paused) I’ll just pass on this one. (She started to leave). (shift response). Kary: (interrupted Lucas who was about to speak) Anna, wait, let’s watch Theory of Everything together tomorrow. (paused) I’ll go with you. (paused) You can treat me out next time. Okay? (gender-specific response) (empathy, non-verbal expression with worried face, face-saving language) (paused). (support response). Anna: Hmm (paused) Sorry guys. (paused) Too emotional lately, what a bummer huh? (assertive) (paused) Well, (paused) let’s watch Dumb and Dumber To then and…(support response). Sheila: (interrupted Anna) and Farid and Liang can watch Interstellar when they want to. (directive) Problem solved. (support response). Lucas: (self-selection) (raised his arms to the sky) Thank you Lord for such awesome friends! (assertive) Dumb and Dumber To here we go! (support response). (directive) (He stood up and started to leave. Others stood up and followed him). Read More