INTRODUCTION 1.1 Rationale
Aims and Objectives
This study explores the linguistic characteristics of verbal repairs in English and Vietnamese conversations in films, focusing on pragmatic, semantic, and syntactic features It identifies the similarities and differences in these linguistic aspects between the two languages Additionally, the research offers implications to assist English and Vietnamese speakers and film researchers in effectively navigating communication breakdowns during conversations.
This study aims to analyze and compare the pragmatic, semantic, and syntactic characteristics of verbal repairs in English and Vietnamese conversations depicted in films The primary objectives are to highlight the differences and similarities in these features across the two languages.
- To provide linguistic evidence collected from television films to illustrate the presence of many pragmatic functions, semantic and syntactic features of RECs and RVCs
- To analyze and clarify the linguistic features realized in RECs and RVCs
- To compare and contrast English and Vietnamese verbal repairs to figure out the similarities and differences between RECs and RVCs in terms of pragmatic, semantic and syntactic features.
Research Questions
To carry out the study, we focus on dealing with the following questions:
1 What are the pragmatic features of verbal repairs in English and Vietnamese television film conversations?
2 What are semantic features of verbal repairs in conversations from English and Vietnamese television films?
3 What are syntactic features of verbal repairs in conversations from English and Vietnamese television films?
4 What are similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese verbal repairs from television film conversations in terms of pragmatics, semantics and syntactics?
Scope of the Study
The study examined the pragmatic, semantic, and syntactic characteristics of verbal repairs in English and Vietnamese films It specifically identified and narrowed down key issues relevant to the research.
This dissertation focuses exclusively on verbal repairs, excluding non-verbal repairs and phonological features It analyzes repairs expressed through utterances, primarily structured as sentences and their components The study gathered a total of 372 daily conversations from 23 English films and 385 conversations from 39 Vietnamese films, all released between the 1990s and 2017 These conversations were categorized into three main topics: Love, Family Life, and Social Relationships.
Among 23 English television films, there are 19 films whose scriptwriters were born and have worked in the United States There are 3 films whose scriptwriters were born and have worked in England All of the scriptwriters have the age range from 35 to below 70 The films were distributed on channels such as The USA, Disney-ABC, New line, CBS, The UK channel 4, NBC, The CW, The USA Universal Pictures, Warner Bros Pictures, Sony Pictures, A24, The USA 20 th Century Fox
The study analyzed data from 39 Vietnamese television films, all written by scriptwriters who were born, raised, and have worked in Vietnam These films are broadcasted across various channels, including VTV1, VTV2, VTV3, VTV4, VTV5, VTV9, HTV9, VOV, VTC1, VTC9, VTC10, HTV, HTV7, HTV9, H1, HTVL, and VTV Cần Thơ.
The selected English and Vietnamese conversations are of equal length to ensure that self-repair instances range from 1 to 3 turns In some cases, self-repair involved a single turn, particularly when the speaker was speaking alone or on the phone Conversely, utterances featuring other-repair spanned 2 to 4 turns Each conversation comprised two or three components, including pre-repair, repair, post-repair, or solely repair, as post-repair may be omitted if the interlocutor concluded their turn with non-verbal cues such as nodding or looking away.
The research employed Schegloff et al.'s (1977) conversation analysis and repair theory, alongside Grice's (1975) cooperative principles and Searle's (1969) classification of illocutionary acts, to explore pragmatic features For semantic and syntactic aspects, it relied on Halliday's (1994, 2014) theories of experiential meaning and lexico-grammar, which were further concretized through Downing's (2015) analysis of syntactic and semantic structures Consequently, the study focused on terms associated with experiential meaning and the concretization of syntactic structures as articulated by Downing (2015).
Significance of the Study
1 5 1 Theoretical Significance of the Study
This thesis widened conversation analysis in daily life via conversation analysis in films to analyze the speech act of repair
This thesis explores the nature and linguistic characteristics of verbal repairs in English and Vietnamese television film conversations, focusing on pragmatic, semantic, and syntactic aspects It provides clear comparisons of the similarities and differences in linguistic features between the two languages The comprehensive analysis of these features is expected to serve as a foundational resource for future research on verbal repairs.
1 5 2 Practical Significance of the Study
This article explores the similarities and differences in the linguistic features of verbal repairs in English and Vietnamese television film conversations Understanding these aspects can enhance the teaching and learning of speaking skills in both languages, enabling teachers and learners to utilize verbal repairs more effectively for their communicative needs.
- help the interlocutors use repair strategies effectively for their own communicative purposes
- assist scriptwriters, writers to choose the suitable strategies of repairs for their characters in the conversations with the better and more effective utterances
- can be a very useful source of reference for compiling lectures, books, materials related to the scope of the study
In conclusion, the study aims to enhance communication for both Vietnamese learners of English and English learners of Vietnamese by improving their use of verbal repairs Additionally, exploring the pragmatics, semantics, and syntactics of verbal repairs will provide a comprehensive understanding of their linguistic features, ultimately elevating the quality of teaching and learning in English communication.
Structure of the Thesis
The thesis consisted of the following chapters:
Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter presents the introduction of the study, aims and objectives, research questions, scope of the study, significances of the study, and the organization of the study
Chapter 2: Literature review: This chapter provides the theoretical knowledge related to the pragmatic, semantic and syntactic features of verbal repairs The previous studies containing the pragmatic, semantic and syntactic features are reviewed in this chapter It also gives some comments on their achievements and limitations
Chapter 3: Research Methodology: This chapter presents data collection, data coding, data description, data comparison, data analysis
Chapter 4: Pragmatic features of verbal repairs in English and Vietnamese television film conversations: This chapter presents pragmatic functions of verbal self-repair and other-repair in English and Vietnamese conversations The comparison between the pragmatic features of verbal repairs in English and Vietnamese conversations is carried out.
Chapter 5: Semantic features of verbal repairs in English and Vietnamese television film conversations: This chapter presents representational meanings of verbal self-repair and other-repair in English and Vietnamese conversations The comparison between the semantic features of verbal repairs in English and Vietnamese conversations is carried out.
Chapter 6: Syntactic features of verbal repairs in English and Vietnamese television film conversations: This chapter presents syntactic structures of verbal self-repair and other-repair in English and Vietnamese conversations The comparison between the syntactic features of verbal repairs in English and Vietnamese conversations is carried out.
Chapter 7: Conclusion: This chapter presents the conclusion, implications, limitations and suggestions for further researches.
LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Definitions of Terms
Theoretical Background
The term "conversation" has been interpreted by various linguists, with Arthur (1987, p.5) defining it as an interaction where two or more individuals can freely speak or listen without adhering to a predetermined agenda.
In conversations, everyone can have something to say and any one can speak at any time”
According to Maybin (1996), conversation serves as the cornerstone of social interaction, enabling individuals to communicate, form relationships, and navigate social hierarchies Furthermore, it is suggested that the dynamics of conversation may even contribute to the development of mental health issues.
Conversation, as defined by Cutting (2002), is an informal and unplanned discourse mutually constructed between speakers This definition highlights the social nature of conversation, while Finegan et al (1994) expand on this by noting that conversation comprises various speech acts such as greetings, inquiries, and requests, necessitating organization through turn-taking and corrections The concept of "repair," described by Schegloff et al (1977), refers to a communicative phenomenon that facilitates social interaction by addressing issues that arise during conversation Conversation analysts, including Sacks et al (1974), explore repair in relation to errors within the turn-taking system, indicating that repair can occur even in the absence of identifiable mistakes.
Conversations in films reflect everyday discussions among people, crafted by scriptwriters to mimic natural dialogue According to Dose (2013), language serves various communicative purposes, allowing speakers to convey information, express opinions, feelings, and attitudes Consequently, film dialogues also include interruptions and challenges, making them less fluid, similar to real-life conversations.
Conversations in films are meticulously scripted, encompassing not only the dialogue but also the pauses, hesitations, and repairs According to Dose (2013), these scripted exchanges are integral to the cinematic experience, ensuring that every interaction is carefully crafted for the audience.
While film dialogues may be considered 'unnatural' due to their scripted nature and intended audience, they exhibit a natural linguistic structure that reflects the frequency and contexts of spoken language Consequently, conversations in films can still be effectively analyzed and described through the lens of conversation analysis theory.
Conversation is the spoken exchange of ideas, feelings, and opinions between two or more participants, allowing for open-ended interactions This dynamic form of communication enables the development of discussions in various directions, serving as a social tool for expressing thoughts and engaging with others.
Face-to-face exchanges encompass a range of interactions, from intimate family discussions at home to more formal and structured dialogues like classroom conversations and parliamentary Question Time.
(ii) non-face-to-face exchanges, such as telephone conversations;
(iii) broadcast materials such as a live radio phone-in or a television chat show
Conversations in English and Vietnamese television films are one of the broadcast materials that were applied to the study
Conversation embodies the rules and procedures that guide face-to-face interactions, highlighting the limitations inherent in spoken language This is evident in aspects such as turn-taking, topic management, the methods speakers use to address misunderstandings, and the syntax and register of conversational discourse (Jack, 1990).
Conversations adhere to etiquette and social conventions, as they are fundamental social interactions The cooperative principle outlines specific rules that govern these interactions, and neglecting these guidelines can lead to misunderstandings or the breakdown of the conversation Each contribution to a conversation serves as a response to prior discussions, highlighting the importance of maintaining coherence and relevance in dialogue.
Conversations can be the best form of communication when participants seek an equal exchange of information or wish to strengthen social connections However, if the need for permanence or the ability to review information is crucial, written communication becomes the preferred choice Additionally, for time-efficient communication, delivering a speech may be the most effective option.
2.2.1.4 Characteristics of Conversation in Television Films
Dose (2013, p.117) summarized the characteristics of conversation in television films as follows:
Televised language exhibits distinct lexico-grammatical differences from natural conversation, particularly in performance phenomena, which occur less frequently than in real-life dialogue, although they are more common than previously believed This difference arises from the absence of genuine planning pressure in scripted speech and the need for concise communication that entertains audiences within limited screen time Features indicating vagueness are also less common due to audience presence Interestingly, audiovisual fiction can sometimes showcase more conversational traits than actual speech, particularly in terms of informality and emotionality, which enhance the sense of spokenness Certain features are preferred for achieving linguistic realism while still engaging viewers Additionally, routine expressions, such as greetings and conventional speech acts like thanking and apologizing, are more prevalent in film and television dialogue, bridging grammar and pragmatics effectively.
The linguistic features of dialogues in fictional films and television are largely shaped by their situational context, with a common goal of entertainment and a scripted format However, not all audiovisual fiction exhibits the same linguistic traits; variations in genre and individual shows can lead to differing representations of real speech Even within similar categories, such as discourse markers, their occurrence can vary significantly from one show to another Consequently, assessing the level of spokenness in scripted television language presents a challenge.
In audiovisual fiction, the spoken style is a collaborative effort involving scriptwriters, directors, and actors Most characteristics of this spoken style are intentionally crafted and strategically integrated into the dialogue, with only a small fraction arising organically, such as when an actor authentically grapples with formulating their speech.
Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson (1974) were the pioneers of conversation analysis, which examines the structured way in which conversations unfold, particularly through the concept of turn-taking This fundamental principle highlights that participants in a dialogue alternate in speaking, exemplified by a question-answer format where the first speaker poses a question and the second responds Understanding turn-taking is essential for grasping the dynamics of effective communication.
Previous Studies Related to the Study
Schegloff et al (1977) conducted significant research on conversation repair, identifying key functions of self-repair that established a foundation for subsequent studies on pragmatic aspects of verbal repairs Following their work, Liebscher & Dailey-O’Cain (2003) and Rylander (2004) explored the functions of self-repair, revealing that learners utilize it to fulfill roles within contexts, meet expectations, and develop conversational skills However, their contributions primarily enhanced the understanding of specific discourse types.
Rabab’Ah Abuseileek (2012) studied the pragmatic functions of repetition in
Research on TV discourse indicates that self-repetition is a strategic tool used by speakers to emphasize key words or phrases, thereby directing the listener's attention and reinforcing facts This technique not only serves to evoke emotions in sympathetic audiences but also conveys annoyance or dissatisfaction regarding certain actions Additionally, self-repetition plays a role in persuasion, surprise, and providing emphatic instructions, while also helping to manage pauses in conversation The study highlights self-repetition as a significant repair strategy for confirming information and expressing feelings, although it notes that other conversational repair strategies remain unexplored.
Simpson, R., Eisenchlas, S., Michael, H (2013) carried out a research on the functions of self-initiated self-repair in the second language Chinese classroom in
A study conducted in 2013 revealed that learners utilized self-repair for a broader range of functions than typically assumed Participants frequently engaged in diverse self-repair strategies to seek feedback from teachers and peers, particularly when uncertain about the correctness of their speech The findings indicated that while speakers primarily used self-repair to confirm information, both speakers and listeners could effectively employ repair strategies.
In their 2012 study, Quan and Zheng examined the pragmatic functions of self-repair markers such as "well," "I mean," and "maybe" among second language learners The findings revealed that learners overused "maybe" while underutilizing "well" and "I mean." "I mean" served to indicate various types of self-repair, either for self-correction or to enhance the appropriateness of utterances, while "well" functioned as an information replacement marker Conversely, "maybe" was primarily used to initiate or implicitly conclude self-repairs This research significantly contributes to the literature on interlanguage pragmatics, highlighting that self-repair markers not only serve direct conversational functions but can also have indirect applications.
In her 2015 study, Hidayah examined the functions of verbal repair in conversations within the film The Magic of Belle Isle, identifying seven key functions: asking, clarifying, replacing, suggesting, asserting, explaining, and convincing Similarly, Mabruroh's 2017 research focused on the talk show Anderson Cooper 360, specifically the Donald Trump episode, revealing that repair mechanisms were employed to address issues such as misheard utterances, misunderstandings, and unclear intentions.
In the talk show, participants utilized repair strategies to modify the discussed topic, assert their viewpoints, clarify vague ideas, provide additional details, emphasize key statements, correct inaccurate choices, and revise erroneous information This study highlighted the direct functions of repair in conversations while not addressing the indirect functions.
Current research primarily emphasizes self-repair in language studies, with some contrasting studies highlighting pragmatic aspects across different languages However, there remains a significant gap in comprehensive research exploring the pragmatic features of both self-repair and other-repair in English and Vietnamese.
Research on the semantic features of repair in conversation has been less prevalent than other linguistic aspects Mazeland et al (2001) found that learners in Finland, residing there for 2.5 months to 3 years, struggled to introduce topics and express ideas, resulting in long silences and various forms of repair Their study specifically analyzed word-clarification repairs, focusing on conceptual, interactional, and semantic logic Saldert et al (2014) highlighted that conversational interactions in advanced Parkinson’s disease are affected by semantic-related pragmatic issues and dysarthria, often leading to other-initiated repairs and meaning negotiations following hesitations and atypical wording This atypical language usage may indicate semantic-paraphasia linked to cognitive decline Furthermore, the study emphasized the collaborative efforts of individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their spouses in achieving mutual understanding despite language-related challenges While these studies addressed lexical difficulties in communication, they did not delve into the semantic structures of repair.
Schegloff (1979) identified seven syntactic effects of repair on sentence structure, including the expansion of noun phrases through modifiers, the unframing of subsumed sentences, and the conversion of statements into subordinate clauses Additionally, repairs can transform questions into assertions, change wh-type questions into yes-no questions, reorder elements within projected speech, and insert sequences of turns within sentence boundaries Further research by Barbara & Jasperson (1996) examined the syntactic organization of self-repair in English conversation, identifying eight types of repair initiation, such as during or after the subject noun phrase, verb construction, copula, direct object noun phrases, prepositional phrases, and predicate nominals/adjectives The study also categorized seven distinct types of self-repair.
1) recycle word 2) replace word 3) recycle prior phrase including word 4) recycle prior phrase, replace word 5) recycle prior phrase, add new elements 6) change syntactic framework 7) abandon structure, start new structure This research noted specific results of syntactic organizations and the types of self – repair at the first position in the utterance However, other kinds of self-repair in different positions and other-initiated self-repair have not been mentioned yet
Fox, Hayashi, and Jasperson (1996) studied syntactic repair practices in English and Japanese, revealing key differences in their approaches English, with its strict subject-verb-object (SVO) structure, requires the presence of the subject and tends to employ global repairs by reverting to the clause-initial position In contrast, Japanese speakers favor local repairs, often repeating or replacing only the relevant part of the clause Their findings indicate that languages with a fixed word order typically allow for both clausal and local recycling, while those with more flexible structures or the ability to omit arguments tend to favor local recycling Although the study focused on recycling as a repair technique, it acknowledged that numerous other repair methods exist.
Barbara (2009) explored self-repair strategies in English, Hebrew, and German, revealing that English and Hebrew speakers utilize simple recycling approximately two-thirds of the time, whereas German speakers do so less frequently English speakers often recycle back to subject pronouns, a trend less common among Hebrew and German speakers, who tend to revert to prepositions more frequently The study highlights that all three languages favor function words—such as subject pronouns, determiners, and prepositions—as recycling targets over content words like nouns and verbs While the paper categorizes the types of words used in self-repairs, it specifically examines same-turn self-repairs and does not thoroughly analyze the syntactic features involved in this process across the three languages.
In his 2015 study, Quan compared self-repair strategies in Chinese and English, highlighting a preference for recycling function words over content words in Chinese He found that Chinese speakers tend to use more content words, particularly adverbs and verbs, compared to their English counterparts Conversely, English speakers more frequently recycle and replace function words such as subject pronouns and determiners While the study focused on the techniques of recycling and replacement, it primarily addressed self-repair.
With respect to the study of repair in Vietnamese, the conversational repair was concerned and discussed by some linguists and researchers
Nguyễn Đức Dân (1998) explored the role of insertion sequences in self-repair, highlighting their ability to provide speakers with additional thinking time and to prevent conversational overlap His research significantly contributes to the theory of conversational analysis; however, it lacks a discussion on alternative self-repair strategies and does not address the concept of other-repair.
Diệp Quang Ban (2012) outlined three types of repair in conversation, emphasizing that interlocutors should overlook errors from lower-level speakers to prevent breakdowns The study primarily concentrated on defining these repair types and strategies to minimize conversational mistakes.
Summary
This chapter provides a theoretical background and reviews previous studies on verbal repairs within the framework of conversation analysis It examines the pragmatic aspects of repairs by considering conversational contexts, turn-taking, linguistic behaviors, Grice's cooperative principles (1975), the performative formula of implicature, and Searle's classification of illocutionary acts (1969) Additionally, the semantic features of verbal repairs are explored through experiential meanings based on Downing's (2015) transitivity structure The syntactic characteristics are analyzed by investigating the forms and grammatical points involved in verbal repairs, as outlined by Downing (2015) Together, these elements establish the analytical framework for the thesis.