Use Of Address In Controlling Conversation

The control of a conversation encompasses the seizing, holding, and releasing of the role of speaker as well as the insertion of parenthetical speech. This paper examines the use of address forms in the control of a conversation. The study considers the specific case of conversations occurring in state-owned enterprises in C hina. Study results are based on the analysis of conversations appearing in works of fiction. The study is organized in four sections where each section considers one of the four aspects of control. Each section includes use- models, usage frequency data, and a discussion of address function.The study concludes that address is used as a means to control conversation. Further, the data supports the conclusion that the function of a particular address form depends upon the position of usage within a conversation. Additionally, it can be concluded that the frequency of use of an address form is related to speaking–role and to circumstances of use. It is observed also that frequency of use of addressing is related to the relative power of the speaker and to the formality of the occasion.