Course content

What is in fact conversation? What does it consist of, how is it formed and how are we formed by it? Conversation is the basic form of human communication. The human language has developed through conversations, and it is through conversation we learn our mother tongue and are socialized as individuals into a specific culture. In all other forms of linguistic communication, conversation forms the main component. These are key points to be discussed in the course called Oral communication: variety and patterns.

Learning outcome

The course gives an introduction to theoretical perspectives and concrete working methods in the study of oral communication, where conversation is seen as both phenomenon and process. The aim of this course is for the students to develop a deeper understanding of the factors which influence and form conversation, as well as enabling them to analyze and describe central traits in oral communication and the interaction between communication and context.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching alternates between lectures, seminars and language analysis workshops. Students are trained to work with sound and video recordings and to work independently by using analysis and problem solving. The students are recquired to hand in two assignments during the academic term in order to be approved to sit the exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Attending transcriptioncourse and 4 analysisworkshops is obligatory
• 2 assignments

Credit reductions