EDULITE: Journal of English Education, Literature and Culture
Vol 11, No 1 (2026): February 2026

Macrostructure, spontaneity, and interactivity: an analysis of casual talk

Syafei, Muh (Unknown)
Nugroho, Kurniawan Yudhi (Unknown)
Madjdi, Achmad Hilal (Unknown)
Sulistyowati, Titis (Unknown)
Nurcahyo, Agung Dwi (Unknown)
Nuraeningsih, Nuraeningsih (Unknown)
Ekaningsih, Nur (Unknown)
Milad, Andurahman (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study provides a qualitative analysis of a casual talk between two male postgraduate EFL students, who are Indonesian, Javanese, and English-speaking close friends. The conversation, conducted spontaneously without prior planning, consists of 203 turns and forms 23 conversational story sequences. The findings highlight key aspects of casual conversation, including structural, interactive, and interpersonal features. Structurally, the dialogue follows adjacency pairs and the IRF (Initiate-Respond-Follow-up) pattern. Spontaneity is evident in filled pauses, repetitions, false starts, backtracking, incomplete utterances, and frequent use of conjunctions and fixed expressions. Interactivity is demonstrated through turn-taking, respectful silence, occasional interruptions, and discourse markers, with communication strategies employed to prevent breakdowns. Interpersonal engagement is reflected in the use of laughter and chuckles, fostering group solidarity. Coherence emerges through cooperative exchanges, where speakers provide relevant responses and comments. Additionally, negotiation occurs in both interpersonal exchanges and logical-semantic adjustments to maintain clarity and understanding. These findings suggest that the conversation builds engagement through laughter, coherence through cooperation, and clarity through negotiation, maintaining structured storytelling despite its casual tone. However, a key limitation of this study is its reliance on audio recordings, which excludes the analysis of gestures and facial expressions. Further investigation into diverse conversational contexts, participant relationships, and cultural influences could provide deeper insights into the dynamics of casual interactions

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

edulite

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

EduLite Journal of English Education, Literature and Culture is a blind peer review international journal which publishes manuscripts within the fields of teaching English as a first, second or foreign language, English language teaching and learning, English language teachers' training and ...