The course deals with the study of the importance of studying conversation as a route into understanding language in social life—action and sequence being the core of Conversation Analysis (CA). It likewise examines some basic linguistic conceptions of the purpose of language, the often indirect relationships between grammatical forms and functions, and the role that 'meaning' and 'context' have played in the investigation of language, within the domains of semantics and pragmatics. It explores trajectories of the field and the distinctive contribution CA brings to work on language in interaction: one that goes far beyond the traditional domains of linguistic study. Hence, this course is approached through Conversation Analysis in exploring the Problems of Conversational English.
- Instructor: RON CUBILLAN