Drew, P. and Holt, E. (1998) Figures of speech : figurative expressions and the management of topic transition in conversation. Language in Society. pp. 495-522. ISSN 1469-8013
Abstract
In conversation, speakers occasionally use figurative expressions such as “had a good innings,” “take with a pinch of salt,” or “come to the end of her tether.” This article investigates WHERE in conversation such expressions are used, in terms of their sequential distribution. One clear distributional pattern is found: Figurative expressions occur regularly in topic transition sequences, and specifically in the turn where a topic is summarized, thereby initiating the closing of a topic. The paper discusses some of the distinctive features of the topic termination/transition sequences with which figurative closings are associated, particularly participants' orientation to their moving to new topics. Finally, the interactional use of figurative expressions is considered in the context of instances where their use fails to secure topical closure, manifesting some conflict (disaffiliation, etc.) between the participants.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 1998 Cambridge University Press. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | figurative expressions,idioms,conversation,topic |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Social Sciences (York) > Sociology (York) |
Depositing User: | Repository Officer |
Date Deposited: | 06 Sep 2006 |
Last Modified: | 16 Oct 2024 12:02 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1017/S0047404598004035 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1017/S0047404598004035 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:1545 |