Can Talk Be Inconsequential? Social and Interactional Aspects of Elicited Second‐Language Interaction

Abstract

This article investigates social and interactional aspects of second‐language (L2) talk elicited for research purposes from a conversation analytic angle, examining existing theoretical notions regarding elicited data in light of their collaborative and interactional contingencies. The analysis suggests that participants may draw from fundamental aspects underlying naturally occurring interaction in elicited L2 interaction, even when demonstrably “doing role‐play.” Classifying elicited interaction primarily with dichotomous notions surrounding the authenticity, artificiality, or social consequences of such talk oversimplifies the nature of the talk and fails to acknowledge other elements structuring elicited interaction that, thus far, have not yet been fully explored.