In and out of play : negotiated activity in preadolescent girls' talk

Abstract

This thesis examines how playful language functions in the friendship talk of preadolescent girls.By experimentation and manipulation of language, speakers negotiate turbulence to accomplish a variety of actions which highlight the talk-as-play function.The analytical focus is on speaker's negotation of talk in and out of play and non play. The methodology is synthesised from interactional sociolinguistics, ethnographic and Conversational Analysis approaches. Findings demonstrate that alliance building is accomplished in a diversity of forms which contribute to the overall game-like key of preadolescent girls' talk.Findings are relevant to applied linguistic and development psychology.The study offers new insights into the acquisition of gendered language practice.

Date of Award	2001
Original language	English