LG621-7-AU-CO:
Language in Context: From Pragmatics to Conversation Analysis

The details
2024/25
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
23 August 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

Starting with the issue of whether it is possible to posit rules of language use, we shall explore how what is said is not necessarily what is meant, by examining the central role of intention in language use, proceeding to consider the notions of Gricean implicature and Speech Act Theory. Consideration of some of the important issues relating to implicature and illocutionary force leads us to examine how such concerns have, in recent years, taken an empirical turn with the study of conversation, or, so-called 'talk-in-interaction'.

The second half of the course will consider how it is possible to make systematic interpretations based on our knowledge of conversational structure. The normative structures of the mainstream conversation analytic tradition will be examined. By looking at a range of contexts we shall investigate how actions are performed, identities constructed and context achieved through talk. We shall then consider how conduct which transcends the verbal (such as gaze and gesture) contributes to our presentation of ourselves in interaction with others; and finally we explore the relationship between grammar and interaction.

Module aims

• To introduce students to the major topics in mainstream Pragmatics
• To introduce students to various approaches to the nature of ‘context’ in linguistic study
• To familiarise students with various perspectives on language as action
• To introduce students to the theories, concerns and methods of the mainstream conversation analytic tradition in its approach to spoken interaction
• To show students how to bring to bear a range of conceptual and analytical tools on the data of naturally-occurring talk
• To illuminate the means by which participants construct identities through talk
• To familiarise students with the means by which gaze and body movement interact with the production of language
• To prepare students to undertake their own investigation of an aspect of conversational organisation, using appropriate methods for the collection, transcription and analysis of data

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will: 



  1. Be familiar with the theory of, and major topics in, Pragmatics 

  2. Understand the various treatments of ‘context’ in linguistic study 

  3. Have an understanding of the various approaches to language as action 

  4. Be familiar with the theories, concerns and methods of the mainstream conversation analytic tradition in its approach to spoken interaction 

  5. Be able to bring to bear a range of conceptual and analytical tools on the data of naturally-occurring talk 

  6. Be familiar with the means by which participants construct identities through talk

  7. Be familiar with the means by which gaze and body movement interact with the production of language

  8. Be able to undertake your own investigation of an aspect of conversational organisation, using appropriate methods for the collection, transcription and analysis of data

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  1. One 2-hour lecture/seminar per week, with audio and video data to analyse

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Essay (3000 Words)  08/01/2025   

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Nicole Smith, email: nicole.smith@essex.ac.uk.
Nicole Smith
ns17962@essex.ac.uk, 4.201

 

Availability
Yes
No
No

External examiner

Dr Troy McConachy
University of Warwick
Associate Professor
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 18 (90%) hours available to students:
2 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

 

Further information
Language and Linguistics

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