A Conversation Analysis of Repair Strategies in Communication Breakdowns: A Case Study of Algerian Bilingual Students

Abstract

The present study seeks to delve into the intricacies of repair strategies used by Algerian bilinguals. The topic of repair strategies has attracted ample attention in the last couple of decades. Consequently, this study is hoped to enrich previous findings. In this respect, the different types of repair strategies used by Algerian bilingual students are explored. Similarly, it attempts to examine the different functions lying at the very heart of each repair strategy. The participants taking part in this study are Algerian bilingual students at the University of Jordan. Data are elicited by audio-recording the participants who, in pairs, were asked to engage in casual conversations. The analysis of the results obtained is couched within the framework of conversation analysis. In fact, the findings indicate that Algerian bilinguals adopt nine different strategies of repair; namely: Expansion, repetition, meta-repair, hesitation, abort and abandon, code switching, abort and restart, avoidance and questioning. In a similar vein, these appear to serve different functions depending on the objective of the speaker and the type of communication breakdown taking place. The conclusions drawn from this paper may constitute basis for a fruitful line of inquiry in forthcoming research.