ENGL 202
Prof. G. Steinberg
Conversation

For a web-based PowerPoint presentation on conversation, click here.

Sample Conversation

Bill: Hey, Jack.
Jack: Yeah?
Bill: Wanna do lunch tomorrow?
Jack: Well, hmmm, let's see. . . . Tomorrow's Friday, right?
Bill: Yeah.
Jack: I told Harry I'd go to New York with him tomorrow.  And I've put him off so many times that I'd feel bad.  Another time?
Bill: Sure.
Jack: Sorry.
Bill: It's okay.  What about next week?
Jack: I've got a big project due at work.
Bill: Oh.
Jack: Ask me on Tuesday.
Bill: Okay.
Jack: Okay.
Bill: I guess you'll be at Kathy's party tomorrow?
Jack: Yeah.
Bill: Okay.  I'll see you there.
Jack: I hear there's gonna to be lots of people there.
Bill: Like she's invited half the building.
Jack: Should be fun.
Bill: Yeah.
Jack: Okay.
Bill: Okay.  See you there.
Jack: Later!

Sample Children's Conversation (40-44 months)

John: That's mine.  (Approaches partner who has started to play with a truck.)
Tom: This is not.  No.  (Moves truck.)
John: It's mine.  (Stands, looking down at partner and truck.)
Tom: Well, I'm using it.  I'm using it.
John: Could I take it home now?
Tom: No, it's the school's.
John: Yes, I am take it home.
Tom: You don't have a house.  You live here.
John: No, I live at home -- Lake Charles Avenue.
Tom: Well, I'm using it.  I'm using it.
John: Could I take it home now?
Tom: Yes, okay.  (But doesn't relinquish the truck.)
John: Could I take that home?
Tom: Okay, but / but / but I'm using it.  (Turns away from partner.)  I'll give it to you when you're gonna go.  (Continues to play with truck.)
John: (Moves away from partner.)

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