In the speech pair above there are many rules that have been obeyed and disobeyed. However in this short conversational analysis we will only discuss a few.

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(female) A: Hey you know that red shirt of John’s that you liked – well I saw it in Myers sale at $25

(male) B: It’s no use telling me – I’m broke till I get my wages next month but thanks anyway

In the speech pair above there are many rules that have been obeyed and disobeyed. However in this short conversational analysis we will only discuss a few.

The first rule that is followed can be distinguished in speaker A. She follows the conversational rule that speech should be interesting by talking about a topic that B could relate to. Speaker A makes a conceited effort to a positive conversational topic that B would be interested in. She says “you know that red shirt” and “you liked” to infer that it was something B was concerned or interested about.

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The second rule that is followed is ‘everyone has a right to speak’. You can see both speaker A follows this rule and B. Speaker B could have easily interrupted A saying “It’s no use telling me” after A mentioned about the red shirt she saw in Myers. But B chose to follow the conversational rule and allow A to finish, respecting her right to speak. Speaker A also follows the rule by not interrupting B. After the comment was made about “It’s no use telling me”, she could have easily interrupted asking why, but chose to listen.

Finally is ...

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