Reference to shared past events and memories

Abstract

This conversation analytic study examines how speakers make reference to events and memories they presume to be shared by their co-participants. By analyzing recognition checks with (do you) remember X in American English, this paper focuses on how remembering is elicited and how reference problems are resolved by participants in everyday talk. In terms of sequence organization, recognition checks with remember are found in pre-sequences and incidental sequences as part of a larger action. The reference to the past event may be embedded in the do you remember X construction, or it may follow it in a separate turn or TCU. Furthermore, (do you) remember recognition checks occur in different action environments, which include counter-challenges, claim-backing situations, and direction-giving environments. They serve to establish common ground among participants and to mark epistemic territories and knowledge domains. Therefore, this study discusses the role of epistemics as reflected in the use of recognition checks with remember to support claims, and to elicit uptake and confirmation from participants.