Explanation
Conversation analysis is the empirical study of the sequential organisation of naturally occurring interaction. An invitation is followed by a pause and then an account; analysis asks how this placement makes a refusal recognisable. Do not confuse it with content analysis, communication advice or invented sample dialogues. An invented dialogue illustrates a possibility but cannot establish how actual participants organised that sequence.
Movement of thought
1. Start with a naturally occurring recording. 2. Transcribe turn placement and timing. 3. Identify a recurrent sequence. 4. Compare recipient responses across cases. 5. Test the account against deviant cases.
Scientific use case
Researchers collect recordings, produce detailed transcripts and compare collections of the same sequence type.
Example
An invitation is followed by a pause and then an account; analysis asks how this placement makes a refusal recognisable.
Counterexample
An invented dialogue illustrates a possibility but cannot establish how actual participants organised that sequence.
Distinction
Do not confuse it with content analysis, communication advice or invented sample dialogues.
Effect on thought and perception
The method can examine apparently minor pauses as part of social actions.
Resonance
A hesitation can belong to the next step.
Provenance
Separate AI English review passed; final author file f69b81c80ae2de2a71d727c8a73448a9de4569250e40024fa9c9b714ccbcfa78
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Conversation analysis“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G03-011. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G03-011The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. Editorial reading state: 2026-10-15. Include your access date for precise references.