Abstract
The aim of the article is to analyse what function quotations have in narrative sequences, argumentative sequences and in conversation. Three aspects of quotations are considered: quotations as constructions, quotation as voices, and quotations as a means of positioning. Examples from Czech and Swedish data illustrate how conversationalists use quotations when they define their own identity and when they speak about the identity of the others. The results indicate that quotations can be used strategically. They have not only the communicative functions to particularize, dramatize, and to create scenes but also to imitate and characterize the others: It is less threatening for the speakers to compress their valuations in quotations than to use evaluative attributes about the others. Quotations allow speakers to position those who are animated as speakers in unflattering light. The speakers who supply constructed quotations are less likely to be accused of having stereotypic opinions.
| Original language | Swedish |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 105-133 |
| Journal | Språk och stil |
| Volume | 8 |
| Publication status | Published - 1998 |
Bibliographical note
The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015.The record was previously connected to the following departments: Swedish (015011001), Cognitive Science (015001004), Educational Sciences (000026010)
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Languages and Literature