Description

Book Synopsis
Conversation is very often spontaneous, natural and informal. But even at its most casual it is governed by rules and principles of language and behaviour. This book lays bare the structure of conversation, describing what happens when people talk to each other and explaining why they say what they say in a wide variety of circumstances.

Table of Contents
Preface.

1. The Social Basis of Talk.

2. Locating an Agenda.

3. Cooperation and Playing the Game.

4. Beyond and Behind the Words.

5. The Importance of Context.

6. Getting Started and Keeping Going.

7. Topics, Turns, and Terminations.

8. Requesting, Informing, Advising, Agreeing, Apologizing, Promising.

9. Samples of Conversation.

10. Consquences.

Bibliography.

Index.

How Conversation Works

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    £37.00

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Fri 10 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Ronald Wardhaugh

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      Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
      Publication Date: 29/01/1985
      ISBN13: 9780631139393, 978-0631139393
      ISBN10: 0631139397
      Also in:
      Linguistics

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Conversation is very often spontaneous, natural and informal. But even at its most casual it is governed by rules and principles of language and behaviour. This book lays bare the structure of conversation, describing what happens when people talk to each other and explaining why they say what they say in a wide variety of circumstances.

      Table of Contents
      Preface.

      1. The Social Basis of Talk.

      2. Locating an Agenda.

      3. Cooperation and Playing the Game.

      4. Beyond and Behind the Words.

      5. The Importance of Context.

      6. Getting Started and Keeping Going.

      7. Topics, Turns, and Terminations.

      8. Requesting, Informing, Advising, Agreeing, Apologizing, Promising.

      9. Samples of Conversation.

      10. Consquences.

      Bibliography.

      Index.

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