Acquiring conversational competence

First published in 1983, this book represents a substantial body of detailed research on childrenΓÇÖs language and communication, and more generally on the nature of interactive spoken discourse. It looks at areas of competence often examined in young childrenΓÇÖs speech have that have not been described for adults ΓÇö leading to insights not only in the character of adult conversation but also the process of acquiring this competence. The authors set forward strategies for conversing at different stage of life, while also relating these strategies to, and formulating hypotheses concerning, the dynamics of language variation and change.