Figures of speech: Figurative expressions and the management of topic transition in conversation

TLDR

Figurative expressions such as “had a good innings,” “take with a pinch of salt,” or “come to the end of her tether” are used in conversation to signal topic transitions, particularly during topic termination sequences where participants orient toward new topics. The study investigates the sequential distribution of figurative expressions within conversation. The authors examine how figurative expressions are used interactively, especially when they fail to secure topical closure and lead to conflict or disaffiliation between participants. They find that figurative expressions regularly appear in topic transition sequences, especially in the summarizing turn that initiates topic closure. Keywords: figurative expressions, idioms, conversation, topic.

Abstract

ABSTRACT In conversation, speakers occasionally use figurative expressions such as “had a good innings,” “take with a pinch of salt,” or “come to the end of her tether.” This article investigates WHERE in conversation such expressions are used, in terms of their sequential distribution. One clear distributional pattern is found: Figurative expressions occur regularly in topic transition sequences, and specifically in the turn where a topic is summarized, thereby initiating the closing of a topic. The paper discusses some of the distinctive features of the topic termination/transition sequences with which figurative closings are associated, particularly participants' orientation to their moving to new topics. Finally, the interactional use of figurative expressions is considered in the context of instances where their use fails to secure topical closure, manifesting some conflict (disaffiliation, etc.) between the participants. (Figurative expressions, idioms, conversation, topic)