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Article published In:
Functions of Language
Vol. 29:3 (2022) ► pp.253–273

Exchange Structure: Refinements to the model through a study of multiparty discourse of 4 to 5 year-old children

| University of Nottingham
ORCID logo | The Open University

This paper proposes a number of refinements to the original theory of Exchange Structure as first conceived. It first offers a summary of the early ideas and considers challenges made by others. The study responds to these challenges through new analysis of multiparty discourse. The paper discusses revisions to the model based on these challenges drawing on the iterative analysis conducted and considers other points relevant to multiparty discourse. The data is drawn from transcribed video recordings of small groups of 4 to 5 year-old children’s peer-led dialogic interactions as they engage in role-play. In addition to the development of Exchange Structure theory, this new analysis sheds light on the nature of negotiation within multiparty discourse and the dynamics of negotiation by young children in this playful context.

Keywords: Knowledge negotiating, Action negotiating, Exchange Structure, children’s language, multiparty discourse, role-play
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.A metafunctional model of the exchange
  • 3.Methodology
  • 4.Challenges and refinements to the model
    • 4.1The problem of relations between action negotiating exchanges and knowledge exchanges
    • 4.2The problem of delimiting exchanges
    • 4.3The problem of what units carry the various forms of negotiation: Exchanges and transactions
    • 4.4The problem of what units carry the various forms of negotiation: Moves and acts
    • 4.5The problem of how to analyse when an action is the responsibility of more than one of the interactants
  • 5.Summary
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 12 September 2022
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/fol.22016.ber
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