Topic 12 - Meaning between the lines (Session A) > Conversational implicature and The Dumb Waiter > Task B

Conversational implicature and The Dumb Waiter

Task B - Turn-taking analysis

Note: You can find a link to the passage under 'Useful Links' on the left hand menu.

Analyse the text in the following ways and compare your analysis, and how it relates to our general interpretative remarks with our analysis:

(1) Turn-length and overall distribution of word-counts for each character
(2) Interruptions - who interrupts who?
(3) Topic control - who controls the topic?
(4) Terms of address - what terms of address do they use for each other?
(5) Any other turn-taking features you feel are relevant.

What does your analysis reveal to you about the interaction between the two characters and how does this contribute to their characterisation and your understanding of their relationship?

Our answer

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