Definition & Meaning of "conversation analysis"

What is "conversation analysis"?

Conversation analysis is a method of studying the structure and organization of spoken interaction in everyday conversations. This approach focuses on the ways in which people communicate, including turn-taking, pauses, interruptions, and the use of language to manage social interactions. Conversation analysts observe and analyze recorded conversations to identify patterns and norms that govern how participants engage with one another. By examining the details of spoken discourse, this field provides insights into the social dynamics, meanings, and implications of communication, emphasizing how language functions in context and contributes to the construction of social reality.