What is a presequence?

Definition
	Here are two senses of presequence:
	A presequence is a sequence that is used to introduce a conversational action, and often prefigures a particular sort of action and secures the addressee's cooperation. A presequence is the specific turn that has the function of prefiguring the coming action.

Examples (English)
	A preinvitational turn, such as are you doing anything this weekend? A summons-answer sequence, such as the following exchange: A: John? B: Yes, honey?

Kinds
	Here are some kinds of presequences:
	What is a preannouncement? What is a prearrangement? What is a preclosing? What is a preinvitation? What is a prerequest? What is a summons-answer sequence?

Generic
	A presequence is a kind of
	What is a sequence?

Source
	Levinson 1983 345–346

Context for this page:

Concept module: pre-sequence
In overview module: Glossary (Linguistics): P
In modular book: Glossary of linguistic terms, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H., Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
In bookshelf: Linguistics

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 5 January 2004

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