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In:Temporality in Interaction
Edited by Arnulf Deppermann and Susanne Günthner
[Studies in Language and Social Interaction 27] 2015
► pp. 95–120

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Ephemeral Grammar

At the far end of emergence

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Published online: 20 March 2015
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https://doi.org/10.1075/slsi.27.03for
Drawing on the theoretical and methodological approach of Conversation Analysis (CA) and aiming to contribute to research on Emergent Grammar (e.g., Hopper 1987, 2011; Bybee and Hopper 2001) and sequentially specific grammar (Schegloff 1996; Fox 1994; Thompson et al. to appear), this chapter takes up temporality in talk-in-interaction by addressing a fundamental assumption in the theory of emergent grammar: the temporal directionality of emergence as moving toward sedimentation. The close analysis of an extended turn at talk compels us to consider provisional and emergent form as possible without movement toward sedimentation beyond the local context.
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