INTER-Encyclopedia: Conversation Analysis

Abstract

The article describes the methodological features of conversation analysis (CA) and a special understanding of sociology which is embedded in its program and reflected in the categories of observational science, radical empiricism, micro-interactions and “talk-in-interaction”. The interpretation of the concept of social order incorporated in the program of conversation analysis is presented. “Turn-taking” concept and “one speaker at a time” principle are discussed. They are shown to be crucial for the (re-)production of the local structure of a conversation. Finally, the article includes the overview of transcript preparation and analysis procedures developed in CA research.

Keywords

• conversation analysis
• practice of conversation
• sociology of everyday life
• ethnomethodology