Microanalysis of Naturally Occurring Talk-in-Interaction - Essay Example

There are a number of theoretical approaches to Text Linguists as well as Discourse Analysis and the majority of them are of different research traditions, even though they may share the same primary beliefs. Discourse analysis involves such aspects as small talk, talk-for-interaction, and also computer-mediated communication.

Small talk is a causal type of conversation which is used to break an awkward silence between two people (Goffman, 1981). Thus it is considered a strategy for managing the interpersonal distance. This is vital as sometimes it is not ethical to be without saying anything. There are certain instances and situations in which small talk is considered appropriate. There are also some commonly used topics in small talk. Thus small talk facilitates the creation of a positive face among the people and it can have at the beginning or at the end of the conversation.

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) is described as some form of communicative transaction that occurs between two or more computers that are in a network. Basically, this term has been utilized to define interactions that take place through computer-mediated formats such as e-mails, chat rooms, and instant messaging (Thurlow, Lengel & Tomica, 2004). However, it also involves other forms of communication such as text messaging. Research on CMC concentrates mostly on the social impact of computer-supported communication technologies. CMC is a concept that has been evolving over time with the advent of technology. Sometimes there is a deviation from the conventional means such as the use of audiovisual technologies in contrast to the totally text-based forms of communication.

Analysis
Discourse Analysis (DA) is a method that has been used to analyze written, spoken, or signed language in any significant semiotic activity. It is a qualitative approach that has been developed by psychologists (Heritage, 1997). The objectives are;
1. Analyze the natural occurrence of language, which is not been invented before. Related activities are Corpus linguistics and text linguistics.
2. Define coherent sequences of speech acts or sequences of statements
3. Define syntax, lexicon, style, speech act, and aspects of interaction
4. Define various types of disclosures in media, education science, and business