Our schematic knowledge of a typical tutorial
Task C – Our answer
Here we will spell out our schematic assumptions about a first tutorial.
Then we will be able to compare these assumptions with what actually happens
when we look at the extract from the beginning of the play in the next
two pages of the website.
1. We would expect Frank, the tutor to speak first, and to initiate in
the various subsequent conversational exchanges. We would expect Rita
to respond to Frank’s initiations.
2. We would expect Frank to ask questions and Rita to answer. Frank might
also use more directive speech acts like commands, and Rita would obey
them. In general we would expect her to accede to Frank’s conversational
direction.
3. We would also expect Frank to control the topic and have the longest
turns.
4. There may well not be any interruptions at all, given the polite context,
but if there are any, we would expect Frank to interrupt Rita, perhaps
to correct any misapprehensions she might have.
5. Rita will probably use title (Dr?) + surname initially when addressing
Frank. We might expect him to use title (Miss/Mrs?) + surname for her,
or perhaps her first name, if he knows it already from the paperwork he
will have. After they have got to know one another, they may well both
move to first name only, or if Frank is more formally inclined, he may
expect her to continue to use title + surname while he uses first name
only.
6. Given that it is their first meeting we would expect them both to
be polite towards one another, perhaps with Rita being even more polite
and respectful than Frank. She is at a social disadvantage, after all.
Now let’s look at what happens at the beginning of the play, and
see whether or not Frank and Rita’s initial interaction conforms
to our schematic expectations . . .
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