Topic maintenance in video-mediated virtual exchanges: Rolling the ball back in L2 interactions

This study investigates how topics are managed in virtual exchanges between tertiary-level English language learners from Turkey and Kazakhstan. The reports on a previously unexplored interactional device referred to as “rolling the ball back” (RBB) that invites co-participant maintain current topic of discussion through reciprocation question asked previously. Using multimodal conversation analysis, findings show RBBs accomplish range discursive actions this including requesting for information, asking opinions, changing speakership, creating space extension. pedagogically significant interactionally salient it allows students progressivity by reciprocating questions online interaction. These contribute literature maintenance, well existing work concerned with organization exchange can be used enhance teaching learning. researchers practitioners design new learning practices materials facilitate robust learner talk out classrooms.