Time structures in ethnomethodological and conversation analysis studies of practical activity

Time is regarded as the immanent dimension for social experience. This phenomenologically informed perspective of time built into ethnomethodological programme jointly proposed by Garfinkel and Sacks they set out to uncover orders through examining temporal sequence in practical activity. However, took different paths from this initial proposal their separate development Ethnomethodological Studies Work Conversation Analysis. Focusing on forms data, two programmes adopted approaches action constructing structures sociological description difference has seldom been subjected discussion much less attempt explore a possible synthesis there. article attempts address gap proposing multi-layered temporality interaction. The analysis examines three extracts university communication workshop students explicates modes how simultaneous sequences can constitute participants’ situ: (1) actors; (2) same actor; (3) within participatory framework. Contending actors’ phenomenological potential perceive frames, we conclude that ‘situational time’ EM ‘conversational CA be commensurable. Interweaving layers an description, practitioners better reconstruct ‘reasonable total picture’ activity manifest its complex, seen-but-unnoticed endogenous order. Beyond ethnomethodology, provides basis holistic approach time, allowing enquiry broader studying life vivo.