1887
Volume 6, Issue 2
  • ISSN 2213-1272
  • E-ISSN: 2213-1280
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Abstract

Abstract

This paper studies a speech behavior commonly referred to as “bickering,” which occurs primarily among interlocutors of close social distance (e.g. partners, spouses, siblings, roommates). Using ethnographic methodology, the study analyzes 100 naturally occurring sequences of familial conflict conversation supplemented by ten open-ended interviews. These data enable the disambiguation of “bickering” from other speech behaviors such as “complaining” and “nagging.” The analysis offers conclusions on the typical topics, interlocutor relationships and speech behaviors inherent in the bickering event.

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2018-11-26
2025-02-14
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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): bickering; complaints; ethnography of speaking; family conflict talk; nagging
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