Description
Book SynopsisAn original study of the language of mediation, which uses excerpts from real mediation sessions to illustrate how mediation works and how mediators can best help disputants make claims, present evidence and propose solutions. It will interest researchers and students of sociolinguistics, conversation analysis, and the sociology of law.
Trade Review'… the book is an excellent blend of rigorous analytic focus with relevance to disputants' and mediators' behaviour and outcomes drawn out clearly. It is highly readable, making Conversational Analysis accessible and relevant to new audiences. It is recommended for anyone who is interested in how mediation works, why it often breaks down, and how it can be done more effectively.' Janet Smithson, Journal of Pragmatics
'… a compelling read, especially for linguists, mediation practitioners and others who may be interested in how mediation sessions work in some parts of the United States and beyond. Its strengths lie in the observational, aptly illustrated and longitudinal character of the data corpus and presentation of analyses. … the author has significantly bridged the knowledge gap by showing, using the conversation analysis approach, how conflict is resolved in small claims and divorce mediation sessions in the United States.' Eniola Boluwaduro, Sociolinguistic Studies
'Angela Cora Garcia has written an interesting book which looks in depth at how mediation works.' Dr Treasa Kenny, Journal of Mediation and Applied Conflict Analysis
Table of Contents1. Introduction – approaches to mediation; 2. The interactional organization of mediation; 3. Minimizing and managing argumentative talk in mediation; 4. Disputants' opening statements and persuasive arguments in mediation; 5. Mediator representation of disputants' positions; 6. Soliciting proposals for resolution of the dispute; 7. Producing ideas for resolution of the dispute; 8. Mediator teamwork; 9. Autonomy, empowerment, and neutrality in divorce and small claims mediation.
