Explanation
A unit recognizable as a speaker’s potentially complete contribution. In the atlas, the term is not treated in isolation: it reveals the building blocks of dialogue. This reveals the distinctions that the form enables and how it relates to adjacent phenomena.
Example
“Can you make it tomorrow?” constitutes a possible complete conversational turn.
Counterexample
Not every single syllable of a contribution is automatically a conversational unit.
Distinction
Not every single syllable of a contribution is automatically a conversational unit.
Effect on thought and perception
The term draws attention to and makes the building blocks of dialogue visible. What previously appeared to be a uniform process becomes perceptible as a structured relationship.
Resonance
Resonance arises when a conversational turn is not merely named but experienced as a dynamic interplay between form, expectation, and effect.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Conversational turn“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-088-013. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-088-013The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.