Intertextual quotation

In this paper, I analyze conversations among family members whose appropriation of media texts represents conversational strategies whereby common ground is exploited for different purposes. In particular, intertextual quotation is shown to (1) allow participants to take evaluative stances towards ongoing conversation, (2) reflect interactive alignment and (3) serve as pragmatic moves to rekey or reframe interaction as strategies for conflict resolution. The data come from recorded conversations among members of a fourperson, Swedish-American family. Within the case-study family, the intertextual quotation of media texts is primarily established by the parents as a playful act, ratified by repetition and laughter. The association of intertextual quotation and playfulness is subsequently exploited both by parents and children to reframe and rekey potentially contentious interactions.