Supportive devices in language and paralanguage in the achievement of affiliation in troubles talk

This study uses the methodology of conversational analysis to examine a case of ‘troubles talk’ between a group of female survivors of rape:that is, conversation on the discourse topic of ‘troubles’ or problems, and displaying the close interactional distance of intimacy. Rather than dwelling on the sequential and functional framework of ‘troubles talk’, this paper analyses the conversational process of ‘affiliation’ between the interactants as it occurs within the structure of the conversation, and the linguistic and paralinguistic devices utilised successfully in the achievement of ‘affiliation’ in the ‘troubles talk’. Both topical and interactional levels are considered, as they interact in the conversation to achieve successful ‘affiliation’ and ‘affiliation response’. The successful utilisation of linguistic and paralinguistic devices in affiliation affect the consequent self-disclosure which is crucial in overcoming the trauma of the experiences discussed in the ‘troubles talk’. The significance of affiliation to social context, gender, and culture are also considered.