Topic Six (1.6): Conversational Interaction

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

In this topic, you will study the key elements of spontaneous (i.e. unscripted) conversation. These are things we all do every day without thinking about it, but the subtle rules of conversation are very important and underpin every exchange, so you need to understand how they work. This material will help you when studying Child Language Acquisition in Modules Two and Three, as well as the topics within Language and the Self later in the course. You will also have the chance to work with some transcripts and some examples of student responses in the textbook. Again, there are lots of new terms in this topic, so take your time and make sure you are comfortable with each of them before moving on.

Read & Make Notes Icon.png Read and Make Notes

Read pages 273 to 279 in the textbook and make notes.

Glossary Icon.png Terminology

You have covered a lot of new terminology in this topic, so make sure you tick off/highlight any new words in your glossaries as they come up so that you are forming an ongoing record of what you have learnt for revision later on.

Skills Icon.png Tasks

  • Complete Activities 1 to 4 in the textbook by yourself and in your notes.
  • Note the Student Responses on pages 277 and 278.
  • Complete the Reflection activity on page 279.

Consolidate Icon.png Consolidate

Now complete the self-assessment checklist on page 279.

Glossary Icon.png Terminology

Make sure you understand all the key terms covered in this topic. You may like to make flashcards of key terms now, to help you with revision later on.