This book reports the findings of a discourse-based study of goal-orientated communication in white-collar professional, multicultural workplaces. The focus is on task-related problem solving by dyads and small groups. The report examines discoursal strategies of problem-interpretation and resolution, together with interactive devices of clarification and repair which are characteristically mobilised in performing them. It describes also how clarification strategies are deployed in dealing with cross-cultural and pragmatic communication difficulties as they arise. Extensive discourse samples of native / non-native speaker communication are displayed and analysed, with a view to the learning and teaching of these discourse skills in a second language, and in the development of cross-cultural awareness. Table of contents: Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Minimal linguistic cues which acknowledge, guide and clarify Chapter 3: Explicitness in discourse guidance Chapter 4: Explicit clarification of referential meanings Chapter 5: Explicit clarification of intention Chapter 6: Problem-solving in task orientated interaction
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