Showcasing Studies of Conversational Motifs Within a Dynamic Dyadic Systems Perspective on Interpersonal Communication

Abstract

This essay reports three projects that integrate linguistic features of speaking turns into the identification of conversational motifs, which are multiturn segments of dialog within interpersonal interactions. Study 1 focused on support for bereavement, used Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count data to augment characterizations of speaking turns based on speech act, and identified seven 5-turn conversational motifs. Study 2 examined serial argument conversations, used ratings of features and word count to differentiate speaking turns, and identified four conversational motifs within 1-minute segments of interaction. Study 3 analyzed conversations about public health campaign messages, considered functional and structural features of speaking turns, and identified four 4-turn conversational motifs. By elaborating the library of linguistic elements considered when operationalizing speaking turn types and showcasing alternative strategies for identifying conversation motifs, this essay extends recent advancements in a dynamic dyadic systems perspective on interpersonal communication.