Robinson2004
Robinson2004 | |
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BibType | ARTICLE |
Key | Robinson2004 |
Author(s) | Jeffrey D. Robinson |
Title | The sequential organization of “explicit” apologies in naturally occurring English |
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Tag(s) | EMCA, Apologies, Sequential Organization |
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Year | 2004 |
Language | English |
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Journal | Research on Language and Social Interaction |
Volume | 37 |
Number | 3 |
Pages | 291–330 |
URL | Link |
DOI | 10.1207/s15327973rlsi3703_2 |
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Abstract
In this article, I use the method of conversation analysis and data from American- and British-English conversation to analyze the sequential organization of "explicit" apologies (e.g., I'm sorry, and I must apologize). I demonstrate that (a) apologies can occupy a number of different sequential positions, with different ramifications for the organization of apologizing as an action; (b) apologies can be first parts of adjacency-pair sequences; (c) apologies index particular offenses and embody a claim to have offended someone; (d) As first-pair parts, apologies have a preference organization such that preferred responses mitigate or undermine, and dispreferred responses endorse, apologies' claims to have caused offense; and (e) apology terms can be used to accomplish nonapology actions. In this article, I contribute to our understanding of the social and sequential organization of talk in interaction as well as communication practices dealing with the maintenance of social/relational harmony.
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