Our methods are inspired by ethnomethodology, conversation analysis, anthropology and linguistics, and we often focus on the embodied aspects such as gestures, gaze, and the use of space. We work collegially, regularly gathering around some piece of reality at joint data sessions. Our areas of interest, however, are relatively varied, ranging from interaction in classrooms, to driving schools, to dance classes. A number of studies have looked at workplace interaction and social institutions. Yet another central area is atypical interaction, i.e. conversation in the settings where one or several participants have some kind of communicative disability. Interaction analytic methods are equally well fitted for disclosing the minute details of pedagogical activities as for critical scrutiny of institutions. An individual analysis can focus on grammar as well as on the multimodal accomplishment of meaning where the body and language are analyzed together. In addition, technology can these days be understood as a participant in many settings. Through the microanalysis of everyday practices we can show how social structure is maintained and changed, and how problems, asymmetries as well as injustice arise.
Interactional linguistics and conversation analysis
Research on conversation and interaction has been a highly regarded profile at Linköping University for several decades. Understanding reality as inherently dialogic, we work with audio- or video-recorded data in order to understand human interaction.
