ABurns2008

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ABurns2008
BibType ARTICLE
Key ABurns2008
Author(s) Annabel Burns, Julie Radford
Title Parent–child interaction in Nigerian families: conversation analysis, context and culture
Editor(s)
Tag(s) Conversation Analysis, Cultural Difference, Preschool, Parent–Child Interaction, Speech and Language Therapy
Publisher
Year 2008
Language
City
Month
Journal Child Language Teaching and Therapy
Volume 24
Number 2
Pages 193–209
URL Link
DOI 10.1177/0265659008090294
ISBN
Organization
Institution
School
Type
Edition
Series
Howpublished
Book title
Chapter

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Abstract

This paper uses a conversation analysis (CA) approach to explore parent—child interaction (PCI) within Nigerian families. We illustrate how speech and language therapists (SLTs), by using CA, can tailor recommendations according to the interactional style of each individual family that are consonant with the family's cultural beliefs. Three parent—child dyads were video-taped playing and talking together in their home environments. The analysis uncovered a preference for instructional talk similar to that used in the classroom. Closer examination revealed that this was not inappropriate when considering the context of the activities and their perceived discourse role. Furthermore, this was not necessarily at the expense of responsivity or semantic contingency. The preference for instructional talk appeared to reflect deeply held cultural beliefs about the role of adults and children within the family and it is argued that the cultural paradigm is vitally important to consider when evaluating PCI. Given a potential risk that such young children may be vulnerable in terms of language difficulties, we offer an example of how PCI can be enhanced to encourage language development without disrupting the naturally occurring talk or the underlying purpose of the interaction.

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