An elaboration of the structural possibilities for engaging in alignment episodes

The phenomenon of concern in this paper is the alignment episode, or the discussion of the appropriateness of the conduct of one of the interlocutors when that conduct has been brought under normatively grounded challenge. Of particular concern is how it is that interlocutors are able to construct or participate in this common communication activity. The guiding research question is: What, if any, are the rules governing the sequential ordering of conversational moves? The focus, therefore, is on structural possibilities rather than distributional probabilities. In addressing these issues, a units and rules type of approach was taken, with the units and rules being sensitive to distinctions interlocutors actually make in their talk. The research results in a rule system which interlocutors tacitly use to produce and interpret acts in these episodes. These findings are followed by a discussion of their relationship with other research as well as suggestions for future research.