Clayman1993a
| Clayman1993a | |
|---|---|
| BibType | ARTICLE |
| Key | Clayman1993a |
| Author(s) | Steven E. Clayman |
| Title | Reformulating the question: A device for answering/not answering questions in news interviews and press conferences |
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| Tag(s) | EMCA, Question reformulation, Questions, News interviews, Press Conferences |
| Publisher | |
| Year | 1993 |
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| Journal | Text |
| Volume | 13 |
| Number | 2 |
| Pages | 159–188 |
| URL | Link |
| DOI | 10.1515/text.1.1993.13.2.159 |
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Abstract
When responding to questions from journalists, public figures sometimes answer straightforwardly, but they may also attempt to evade the question. This paper analyzes one particular response practice that can play a role in both processes. Before answering, public figures may first paraphrase or reformulate the preceding question. Question reformulations may serve to indicate how a complex question will be dealt with, but they may also enable the public figure to sidestep the question. Journalists have the capacity to recognize and counter evasive reformulations when they occur, while public officials can employ such reformulations in ways that resist detection. Question reformulations are more common in press conferences than in news interviews, largely because press conference turn-taking arrangements (particularly the absence of follow-up questions) embody the specific conditions that give rise to question reformulations.
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