What is an insertion sequence?

Definition
	An insertion sequence is a sequence of turns that intervenes between the first and second parts of an adjacency pair.

Examples (English)

In the following exchange, the turns which separate the parts of the request-acceptance pair are insertion sequences:

A: I wanted to order some more paint.(Request)

B: Yes, how many tubes would you like, sir? (Question 1)

A: Um, what's the price with tax? (Question 2)

B: Er, I'll just work that out for you. (Hold)

A: Thanks. (Acceptance)

B: Three nineteen a tube, sir. (Answer 2)

A: I'll have five, then. (Answer 1)

B: Here you go. (Acceptance)

Generic
	An insertion sequence is a kind of
	What is a sequence? What is a delay?

Source
	Levinson 1983 304–305

Concept module: insertion sequence
In overview module: Glossary (Linguistics): I
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