Communication, Norms and Rules

Rules

Whether implicit or explicit, rules are generally thought to have three characteristics: (1) They are followable; one can choose to follow, or not to [Page 263]follow, rules. They are not like laws of gravity wherein one has no choice but to adhere. (2) Rules are prescriptive; a certain behavior is expected or preferred (in a particular context). Behavior that should not occur is also prescribed. Not following rules is subject to sanctions. (3) Rules are contextual; the prescribed behavior must be applicable in similar contexts. Rules vary in the number of situations to which they apply. A broad or high-level rule applies to many situations. More narrow rules cover fewer contexts. These three characteristics have embedded within them the idea of behavior. Behavior is often considered as a fourth characteristic of rules: Rules reference behavior (not attitudes, opinions, thoughts, and the like).

The most prominent study of conversational rules can be found in the work of Harvey Sacks, Emanuel Schegloff, and Gail Jefferson. Among numerous rules of conversing, largely concerning the sequencing of conversations, they identify rules governing turn taking in everyday conversations. A primary rule is that one party should talk at a time. This rather broad rule may cover many instances. In everyday conversation, four turn-taking rules have been identified: (1) If the speaker selects the next speaker to take a turn, that target is obliged to take that turn, and others are obliged to allow the selected target to take the turn. (2) If the above occurs, the current speaker is to enable a transition to occur (i.e., provide a turn-relevant place). (3) If the current speaker does not select the next speaker, self-selection may be invoked at the next turnrelevant place. (4) At any turn-relevant place, the current speaker may stop but does not have to stop unless that speaker has selected someone else, or someone else has self-selected to take a turn. These rules apply to everyday conversations but do not necessarily apply in institutional talk wherein changes in rules can occur quite frequently (e.g., the rules of debate). Note, however, that even in debate, the broader rule that one person should talk at a time still applies. Further, violations of these rules are generally met with displeasure. That is, what should not occur is implicit: One should not interrupt the current speaker.

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