A FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSIS - SPOKEN TEXTS
Here are some key questions to ask of spoken texts you encounter. This is not an exhaustive list - it is
impossible to predict all the potentially interesting aspects of spoken language. You don't have to comment on
all the suggestions here - if there is nothing interesting, move on. If you spot something that you think is worthy
of comment but you aren't sure which section it should come under, don't worry! Mention it any way and say
why it is interesting.
Use this checklist in conjunction with your knowledge of conversational features and Language and
Social Contexts theory.
CONTEXT
• What impact could setting have on the conversation?
• What is the relationship between speakers, and how might this influence spoken
language?
• Can you find evidence of this?
TOPIC
• What is the significance of the topic(s)?
• How might this influence the ways in which people talk?
LEXIS
• What can you say about choices of words?
• Think about levels of formality; look for examples of colloquial language.
SEMANTICS
• What are the connotations of the words and phrases used?
• How are meanings (explicit and implicit) constructed and understood?
• Can you find examples of modal structures conveying certainty, possibility,
necessity etc. (e.g.. Must, could, would, should, have to, may, want to, etc.)
GRAMMAR
• Are certain types of structures used frequently (e.g.. Questions, commands,
statements)?
• Do speakers use particular pronouns (I, you, we, one, they etc.)?
• Are certain word types (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions)
particularly important in creating meaning?
DISCOURSE
• What can you say about the structure of the conversation?
• Look at initiation, turn-taking, reinforcements, summing up/paraphrase.
• How is the conversation structured in terms of the roles played by different
speakers?
PRAGMATICS
• How are speakers using language here?
• -e.g. Are speakers using talk to express opinion, test out ideas, come to a
consensus, create/maintain social contact (phatic communication)?