An Analysis of Turn-Taking in English Telephone Conversations

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The paper explores the enduring significance of the telephone in modern communication, despite the rise of computers. It highlights the limitations of telephone conversations compared to face-to-face interactions, particularly the absence of non-verbal cues like gestures and facial expressions. This lack restricts participants' ability to manage turn-taking effectively, underscoring the unique challenges of telephone communication. The analysis is rooted in pragmatics and discourse analysis, reflecting on the historical context of the telephone since the 19th century.