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Title:
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Anecdotes in Spoken English: A linguistic desription with some teaching implications
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Author:
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Robert Jones
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Email:
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click here to access email
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Homepage:
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http://www.enat.org/~aribob/
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Degree Awarded:
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Aston University
, Language Studies Unit
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Degree Date:
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In Progress
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Linguistic Subfield(s):
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Applied Linguistics
Discourse Analysis
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Subject Language(s):
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English
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Director(s):
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Steve Mann
Keith Richards
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Abstract:
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This study comprises a linguistic description of a particular speech activity: the anecdote as it occurs in spoken English. Audio-taped data is examined and the question of how anecdotes arise in conversation is addressed. It is noted that anecdotes tend to be locally occasioned, arising from the ongoing talk, and that one anecdote frequently leads to the telling of others.
With reference to Labov and Waletzky's (1967) description of the structure of oral narrative, various features of the structure of anecdotes are examined with particular reference to abstract, orientation and coda. It is also noted that evaluative devices are used throughout the anecdotes and that these may be either explicit or implicit. Evaluative features which are examined in some detail include thematic equatives (Halliday 1994) and truth-vouching moves. Implicit features of evaluation which are examined include the storyteller's attention to close detail and the use of quotation and mimicry.
The study also examines one anecdote related by a non-native speaker (Japanese male) and analyses it in the light of the features described above. It is noted that this particular anecdote is weak in evaluative features and suggestions are made as to how this student and others might be led towards a more effective narration. In particular, there is an emphasis on reformulation and consciousness-raising activities. The final section of the study focuses on the teaching of lexical phrases, suggesting that these have a role to play in the acquisition of oral narrative skills but, at the same time, drawing attention to some of the possible restrictions on their use.
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Page Updated: 28-Nov-2009
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