Retroactive Elaboration as Non-error Repair in English Conversation

Abstract

In conversation analysis, repair has often been used as a broad cover term which refers to practices for dealing with problems or troubles in speaking, hearing, and understanding the talk. This research explores types and functions of a special type of non-error self-repair, here termed as retroactive elaboration, in English conversation from an interactional perspective. This study discusses types of retroactive elaboration in the following three categories: (i) replacement repair, (ii) replacement repair of pronominal elements, and (iii) retroactive elaboration with unattached NPs or adverbial elements. After discussing types and functions of retroactive elaboration, this research explores interactional motivations for the occurrence of retroactive elaboration in terms of lack of recipient uptake and recipient design. In sum, through an examination of types and functions of retroactive elaboration, this research shows an interactive nature of conversation manifested in the act of retroactive elaboration, which reflects how negotiation among participants is made in shaping forms of TCUs and determining TRPs.