Real and non‐real time interaction: Unraveling multiple threads of discourse∗

Abstract

Recent analyses of discourse have focused on recurring sequential structures. An examination of discourse in different communication media has shown that strict sequentially is not universal. Instead, discourse in some media is structured with “multiple threads.” The significant property of the media producing this difference in discourse was identified as the temporal delay between turns. Discourse in “non‐real time” media, such as electronic message systems, contain time‐saving devices that produce multiple threads. These differences between media are discussed in light of the relative resource limitation of real time interaction and the data limitation of non‐real time interaction.