The comparison of the naturalness of dialogue using Harvey Sacks' models of adjacency pairs and comparisons of people's perceptions in authentic media entertainment sources.

Abstract

Effective communication through dialogue is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, particularly evident in media and literary contexts. This research explores the naturalness of dialogue, employing Harvey Sacks' models of adjacency pairs as a theoretical framework and complementing it with a comprehensive examination of people's perceptions. The primary aim of this study is to compare the naturalness of dialogues extracted from authentic media entertainment sources—specifically television shows—to dialogues found in intermediate-level English books. By analysing these dialogues and conducting perceptual evaluations, this research investigates the nuances of dialogue construction and its reception by audiences. The methodology adopted for this study involves a quantitative survey approach, in which 16 pairs of dialogues from various television shows are contrasted with 16 dialogues from intermediate English books. Participants will be presented with these dialogues and asked to evaluate their perceived naturalness using a structured questionnaire. The survey responses will be collected and statistically analysed to discern patterns and trends in how individuals assess dialogue naturalness within different contexts. The literature review section of the research provides a comprehensive overview of relevant theories related to dialogue structure, adjacency pairs, and communication naturalness. Harvey Sacks' seminal work on adjacency pairs serves as a central theoretical foundation, offering insights into the inherent structures that underlie conversational exchanges. Additionally, the review discusses the significance of authentic media entertainment sources in reflecting real-life dialogue dynamics and language usage. In addition, findings from this study hold implications for the field of linguistics. The analysis of dialogue naturalness not only contributes to theoretical understanding but also offers practical insights into crafting authentic and relatable dialogues in media and literary productions.