CONVERSATIONAL ANALYSIS IN ELT CLASSROOM

Abstract

Conversational analysis (CA) is a research method that focuses on examining the language used in everyday interactions, such as classroom conversations. In the field of English Language Teaching (ELT), CA can be used to study how language learners communicate with each other and with their teachers, uncovering the intricate dynamics of language use and negotiation. By studying conversational data like audio or video recordings, transcripts, and observations, educators and researchers can identify patterns and techniques that impact language learning, such as the ways in which students take turns, use discourse markers, and repair misunderstandings. This method offers valuable insights into how learners make meaning, resolve conflicts, and develop relationships, ultimately informing the creation of more effective language teaching approaches. Through employing a CA perspective, ELT professionals can gain a deeper understanding of the social and linguistic aspects of language learning, allowing for the development of targeted and responsive teaching methods that meet students' needs.