9 - Dialogic Sequences and Odd Structures

Summary

This chapter takes a closer look at speaker production in ELF by introducing a dialogic approach to the analysis of a newly-established category that was called “Odd Structures”. OSs put forth contradictory or frame-breaking information. In violating particular patterns, they potentially put mutual understanding and successful communication between interlocutors at risk. However, the important thing is that OSs do not necessarily lead to non-understanding or misunderstandings between ELF interlocutors. They can be unnoticed, unreacted, or reacted as if no oddness has occurred. It is argued and demonstrated that a dialogic turn-by-turn, action–reaction approach to discourse segments will give us a better understanding of how these structures are created and deployed.