Analysis of Spoken Discourse

Level: 7
Credit Rating: 20
Code: EGL7104
Tutor: Richard Ingham

Module aims

1. to introduce students to a range of theoretical models and approaches that may be used in the analysis of spoken discourse, and relate these to current research in the field.
2. to examine some of the features of interactional discourse.
3. to enable students to make independent analyses of spoken discourses.

Module Description

This module examines the patterns, organisation and functions of spoken discourse. The analyses of various features of spoken interaction are included, such as turn-taking, topic control, intonation, discourse markers and repetition. The theoretical models cover a range of approaches, including discourse analysis (the Birmingham school), Conversational Analysis, speech acts and the ethnography of speaking. Throughout, students are encouraged to relate the theoretical concepts to data elicited from their own contexts.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Identify relevant features of spoken discourse in their own analysis of texts.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of contrasting approaches used in the analysis of spoken discourse and evaluate these approaches in the light of current research in the field.
3. Make independent analyses of spoken discourse and present this in an effective manner as part of a sustained argument.

Learning andTeaching Strategy

For all the modules on this programme, the modulehandbook guides the student through relevant topics in conjunction with recommended reading. The handbook includes many exercises, which encourage the students to reflect on and interact with the knowledge they are acquiring. Students may contact the module tutor at any point for support during their learning experience, using post, email or telephone as appropriate.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment for this module comes in two forms. The first is formative assessment whereby students send in three exercises which the tutor provides feedback on (ungraded). The second is summative assessment. This is two pieces:

To provide an analysis of a given extract of data focusing features (such as turn-taking, topic control, adjacency pairs). Students should provide a commentary to accompany this analysis. (LOs 1 &2)
Students collect and transcribe a stretch of naturally occurring spoken discourse. Using two different approaches to discourse analysis, they provide a detailed analysis of this data. On the basis of this analysis, they formulate an evaluative comparison of the models used in the study. (LOs 1, 2 & 3)

Each element of assessment should not exceed 3000 words (or equivalent).

Assessment Criteria

Students work will be assessed according to

The accuracy of the discourse analysis (LO 1)

The ability to apply a range of theoretical models of discourse analysis to data (LOs 1, 2, 3)

Demonstration of an evaluative stance towards the theory and analysis employed, where the best work innovatively adapts existing frameworks or formulates original explanations. This work must be appropriately referenced (LOs 2, 3).

Assessment Dates

As negotiated between student and module tutor

Method of feedback to students

All work submitted by the student receives written feedback from the module tutor.

Learning resources

Brown, G. and Yule, G. (1983) Discourse Analysis. CUP
Cameron, D. (2001) Working with Spoken Discourse. SAGE
Cheepan, C & Monaghan, J. (1990) Spoken English. Pinter.
Coulthard, M. (1985) An Introduction to Discourse Analysis, 2nd edition. Longman.
Coulthard, M (ed.) (1992) Advances in Spoken Discourse Analysis. Routledge
Tannen, D. (1989) Talking voices. CUP

Journals

Discourse and Society, Language in Society

Web pages

Talk Pages.
An Introductory Tutorial in Discourse Analysis.
Australian Institute for Ethnomethodology and Conversation Analysis.
Discourse Analysis Online.