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A simplest systematics for the organization of turn-taking for conversation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 March 2026

Harvey Sacks ,
Emanuel A. Schegloff  and
Gail Jefferson
Harvey Sacks
Affiliation:
University of California, Irvine
Emanuel A. Schegloff
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles
Gail Jefferson
Affiliation:
University of Pennsylvania
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Abstract

The organization of taking turns to talk is fundamental to conversation, as well as to other speech-exchange systems. A model for the turn-taking organization for conversation is proposed, and is examined for its compatibility with a list of grossly observable facts about conversation. The results of the examination suggest that, at least, a model for turn-taking in conversation will be characterized as locally managed, party-administered, interactionally controlled, and sensitive to recipient design. Several general consequences of the model are explicated, and contrasts are sketched with turn-taking organizations for other speech-exchange systems.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Language , Volume 50 , Issue 4 , December 1974 , pp. 696 - 735
Copyright
Copyright © 1974 by Linguistic Society of America

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