English and drama
Language and Interaction
Module code: Q1900
Level 4
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Workshop, Seminar
Assessment modes: Portfolio
A conversation appears to be one of the simplest forms of interaction we have. But, it is deceptively complex, which is why it poses such a challenge for AI and other forms of machine generation.
Successful, unmarked and ‘normal’ conversation follows a set of complex expectations. From how long we pause before someone assumes we’ve stopped interacting, to how we subtly – but reliably – communicate evaluations of each other and our intentions (such as sarcasm).
On this module, you’ll learn how to identify and analyse these governing rules. You’ll use key concepts from pragmatics and conversation analysis. You’ll use this knowledge to investigate the ways conversational practices vary across different types of interaction, such as:
- human-human interactions and human-machine interactions
- spoken and written conversations
- interactions between people who know each other well and a first meeting.
You’ll also examine what happens when interactions break down and clinical applications of this knowledge.
Module learning outcomes
- Define and explain fundamental concepts in interactional linguistics
- Identify and analyse linguistic patterns in authentic language data with reference to context
- Explain the effect of context on linguistic patterns
- Search out and synthesise information from previous research
- Design communication for a specified audience
- Articulate how linguistic knowledge could be applied to a real-world problem