A conversational analysis of lovers’ exiting dialogues in contemporary fiction revealed three metacommunicative strategies used to terminate a romantic relationship: (1) suspension of the conversational rule of “let it pass;”; (2) zero‐sum strategizing; and(3) consensus on dissensus (i.e., agreement to disagree). The study suggests that fiction is a viable source for conversational data. Particularly germane to research on disengagement strategies, fictive dialogue permits examination of the interactive work of communicators as they accomplish relationship termination.
Ways to leave your lover: A conversational analysis of literature
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