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Comical hypothetical: arguing for a conversational phenomenon

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY, USA, mwinchat{at}depaul.edu

Alexander Kozin

FREIE UNIVERSITÄT BERLIN, GERMANY, kozinal{at}yahoo.com

This study makes a case for the conversational phenomenon the authors have named the comical hypothetical (CH). The CH becomes discursively co-created during ongoing conversation when one or more speakers depart from the normal turn-taking system and engage in the interactional creation of an imaginary world. Data stem from ethnographic observations as well as from spontaneous recordings of social situations in three different locations. Out of 20 hours of taped conversations, 10 recognizable CH segments were analyzed for the present study. The authors present a macro-structure analysis of the comical hypothetical using Hymes's (1962, 1974) SPEAKING mnemonic, with an emphasis on the act sequence. A second-level micro-analysis uncovers the interactional properties of the CH using a conversation analytic approach. The examination reveals a distinct four-part act sequence of the CH made up of intricate and creative interactional turns. Lastly, the significance and functions of the CH are also discussed.

Key Words: communication • conversation analysis • discourse analysis • ethnography of communication • Hymes • imagery

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