Relevance and Context: The Use of Digressions in Spoken Language

Introduction

In her book "Relevance and Context: The Use of Digressions in Spoken Language", Maria Lúcia C. V. O. Andrade explores the phenomenon of digressions in spoken language. Digressions are defined as departures from the main topic of conversation, and they can range from brief asides to lengthy stories. Andrade argues that digressions are not simply random interruptions, but rather that they play an important role in conversation.

The Functions of Digressions

Andrade identifies a number of functions that digressions can serve in conversation. These functions include:

• Providing background information: Digressions can provide additional information that is relevant to the main topic of conversation. This information can help to clarify the speaker's point or to provide context for the discussion.
• Expressing emotions: Digressions can be used to express emotions, such as anger, frustration, or joy. This can help to create a more personal and engaging conversation.
• Building rapport: Digressions can help to build rapport between speakers by creating a sense of shared experience. This can be especially important in conversations between people who are not well-acquainted.
• Signaling a change of topic: Digressions can be used to signal a change of topic. This can help to keep the conversation moving forward and to prevent it from becoming stagnant.

The Structure of Digressions

Andrade also examines the structure of digressions. She finds that digressions typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end. The beginning of a digression is often marked by a change in intonation or a pause in the speaker's speech. The middle of a digression typically consists of a series of related statements or stories. The end of a digression is often marked by a return to the main topic of conversation.

The Use of Digressions in Different Contexts

Andrade also explores the use of digressions in different contexts. She finds that digressions are more common in informal conversations than in formal conversations. They are also more common in conversations between friends and family members than in conversations between strangers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Andrade argues that digressions are an important part of spoken language. They serve a number of functions, including providing background information, expressing emotions, building rapport, and signaling a change of topic. Digressions also have a clear structure, and they are used more commonly in informal conversations than in formal conversations.

Why You Should Read This Book

"Relevance and Context: The Use of Digressions in Spoken Language" is a fascinating and informative book that provides a new perspective on the role of digressions in conversation. Andrade's research is based on a corpus of over 100 hours of recorded conversations, and she provides a wealth of examples to illustrate her points. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the study of language and communication.

How to Purchase This Book

"Relevance and Context: The Use of Digressions in Spoken Language" is available for purchase from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play. You can also find it in libraries.