The Performance of Topic Shifting in Inclusive Female Informal Gatherings: A Case Study

Autor/in	Al-Ghathami, Ghada Abdullah
Titel	The Performance of Topic Shifting in Inclusive Female Informal Gatherings: A Case Study
Quelle	In: Arab World English Journal, 9 (2018) 4, S.295-309 (15 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Al-Ghathami, Ghada Abdullah)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	2229-9327
Schlagwörter	Foreign Countries; Interpersonal Communication; Females; Attitudes; Sociolinguistics; Language Usage; Verbal Communication; Interests; Social Influences; College Students; Saudi Arabia + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Ausland; Interpersonale Kommunikation; Weibliches Geschlecht; Attitude; Einstellung; Verhalten; Soziolinguistik; Sprachgebrauch; Bildungsinteresse; Sozialer Einfluss; Collegestudent; Saudi-Arabien
Abstract	This paper analyzes how topic shifts are performed and perceived in conversations. It investigates the way topic shifts are constructed and sequenced in Saudi female conversations, focusing on the structure of topic shifts along with their discourse markers. It also aims at highlighting the way these topic shifts are observed by participants. This paper is a case study that tries to understand the performance of topic shifts in a recorded conversation with emphasis on the construction, markers and sequences of topics, adding empirical evidence to the overall knowledge related to this issue. It also studies perceptions of Saudi women on topic shifting. Two instruments were used: data recording and analysis, and a four-axis questionnaire. Gathered data was analyzed using interactional sociolinguistics analysis and statistics to arrive at results. The findings of the study indicate that the most frequent shifts of topics occurred after a pause where speakers introduced a new topic. These shifts were performed by using discourse markers such as asking questions, seeking explanations, or telling personal stories. Topic shifts might be violated in informal settings based on relations between participants. Questionnaire results conclude that topic shifts are performed in relation to interest, and motivated by closeness and need. It is recommended that further investigation is carried out considering different social variables and domains of interaction. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Arab World English Journal. 10602 Davlee Lane, Richmond, Texas, 77407. e-mail: editor@awej.org; e-mail: info@ASELS.org; Web site: https://awej.org/
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01