In this paper we describe patterns of spatial co-ordination that, we propose, are a distinctive characteristic of multi-person face-to-face interactions. The data come from a task in which participants describe some simple, non-spatial, computer code in an instructor / learner scenario. Three participants take part; 2 instructors and 1 learner. Using excerpts from these interactions we show tha...

For many English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers working contingently with language learners’ problematic learner contributions in classroom interaction still remains a challenge. Drawing on conversation analysis methodology and using sociocultural and situated learning theories, this longitudinal case study traces the progressional changes in one Iranian English language teacher’s repairi...

This study aims at empirically measuring a universal criterion for materials evaluation, i.e., learning opportunities, in a locally- and a globally-designed materials. Adopting the conceptual framework of sociocultural theory and its conceptualization of learning as participation (Donato, 2000), the researchers utilized the methodological power of conversation analysis to examine how opportunit...

This paper synthesises recent research examining how families live with genetic risk and the processes of genetic decision-making and disclosure among family members who have or are at risk of transmitting a familial genetic condition. Its aim is to generate substantive theory that can inform our understanding of the interactional processes at work in the distribution of mutual knowledge and aw...

In this paper, we propose architecture of an informational Server founded on the multi agent paradigm. Our proposition is based on the EASI model (Environment as an Active Support for Interactions) which implements the concept of the mutual awareness in the multi agent domain. The goal is to permit agents to evolve in a strongly interactional environment. We have applied our proposition to the ...

Speaking as part of a conversation is different from reading out aloud. Speech synthesis systems, however, are typically developed using assumptions (at least implicitly) that are more true of the latter than the former situation. We address one particular aspect, which is the assumption that a fully formulated sentence is available for synthesis. We have built a system that does not make this ...

This paper examines the phenomenon of interdisciplinary collaboration to critically appraise the widespread idea that working together requires the integration of knowledge. We build both on the concepts of common ground/grounding and interactional/contributory expertise to analyze in two case studies how common ground evolves in practice. We find that building common ground is a continuous pro...

Mobile phone use in cars is a highly debated issue. Legislation and policy discussions flourish in many countries and coincide with an increased effort in design of new in-car technologies. The studies which influence policy and design decisions use experimental approaches and are based on a cognitive perspective. In this paper, we discuss why this is a problematic approach. Further, we provide...

Aceptado: 05/12/2013 The objective of this study is to show how conversation analysis, a sociological discipline, approaches the study of social institutions. Social institutions are conceived as the crystallization of members’ communicative, interactional practices. Two institutional domains—psychiatric interviews and broadcast news interviews —and a specific interactional practice—‘formulatio...