Deppermann2021i

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Deppermann2021i
BibType ARTICLE
Key Deppermann2021i
Author(s) Arnulf Deppermann, Alexandra Gubina
Title Positionally-sensitive action-ascription. Uses of Kannst du X? ‘can you X?’ in their sequential and multimodal context
Editor(s)
Tag(s) EMCA, action-ascription, German, question, modal verbs, request, Conversation Analysis, Interactional Linguistics, positionally-sensitive grammar, Action Formation, Social action format
Publisher
Year 2021
Language English
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Journal Interactional Linguistics
Volume 1
Number 2
Pages 183–215
URL Link
DOI 10.1075/il.21005.dep
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Howpublished
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Abstract

Schegloff (1996) has argued that grammars are “positionally-sensitive”, implying that the situated use and understanding of linguistic formats depends on their sequential position. Analyzing the German format Kannst du X? (corresponding to English Can you X?) based on 82 instances from a large corpus of talk-in-interaction (FOLK), this paper shows how different action-ascriptions to turns using the same format depend on various orders of context. We show that not only sequential position, but also epistemic status, interactional histories, multimodal conduct, and linguistic devices co-occurring in the same turn are decisive for the action implemented by the format. The range of actions performed with Kannst du X? and their close interpretive interrelationship suggest that they should not be viewed as a fixed inventory of context-dependent interpretations of the format. Rather, the format provides for a root-interpretation that can be adapted to local contextual contingencies, yielding situated action-ascriptions that depend on constraints created by contexts of use.

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