Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms For conversation analysts, conversation is the main way in which people come together, exchange information, negotiate and maintain social relations” (Discourse Analysis: An Introduction, 2012).

Terms in this set (7)

• discourses.
• Level 1: Language as constructive: Discourses.
• Level 2: Language as functional: Rhetorical strategies.
• discursive agenda.
• Level 3: Positioning.
• Level 4: Practices, institutions and power.
• Level 5: Subjectivity.

The main difference between text and discourse is that the text does not specify an agent whereas the discourse specifies the agent of the information. Even though the two terms text and discourse are used interchangeably with concern to literary analytical studies, these two are two diverging subjects.

The methodology of conversation analysis – involving detailed empirical studies of specific, observable, interactional phenomena – rests on three fundamental theoretical assumptions: (i) that talk is a form of action; (ii) that action is structurally organized; and (iii) that talk creates and maintains …

The Four Types of Conversations: Debate, Dialogue, Discourse, and Diatribe

• Debate is a competitive, two-way conversation.
• Dialogue is a cooperative, two-way conversation.
• Discourse is a cooperative, one-way conversation.
• Diatribe is a competitive, one-way conversation.

How To Have Deep Conversations (With Examples)

1. Start with small talk and gradually go deeper.
2. Choose relaxed, intimate environments.
3. Bring up a deep subject that interests you.
4. Find like-minded people.
5. Ask a personal question about the subject.
6. Share something about yourself.
7. Ask follow-up questions.
8. Show that you are listening.