References in conversation between experts and novices.

Abstract

In conversation, two people inevitably know different amounts about the topic of discussion, yet to make their references understood, they need to draw on knowledge and beliefs that they share. An expert and a novice talking with each other, therefore, must assess each other's expertise and accommodate to their differences. They do this in part, it is proposed, by assessing, supplying, and acquiring expertise as they collaborate in completing their references. In a study of this accommodation, pairs of people who were or were not familiar with New York City were asked to work together to arrange pictures of New York City landmarks by talking about them. They were able to assess each other's level of expertise almost immediately and to adjust their choice of proper names, descriptions, and perspectives accordingly. In doing so, experts supplied, and novices acquired, specialized knowledge that made referring more efficient.