Interruptions and the dyadic co-narration of shared experiences in English and Serbian conversation

Collaborative narration embedded in conversation provides a specific frame for turn-taking and participation, with interruptions playing an important role in the management and negotiation of the telling in progress. The present paper examines the roles of interruption in a specific type of collaborative narrative that involves dyadic co-narration of shared experiences, drawing on data from English and Serbian. Interruptions are altogether shown to function as an inherent part of co-narration, signaling collaborative effort and mutual involvement. It is argued that shared knowledge of the event and the collaborative nature of the accomplishment have important implications for turn-taking, projectability and floor-holding expectations, that may override the impact of behaviors like interruption.

► I examine the role of interruptions in collaborative narration of shared experience.
► Interruptions are an inherent part of co-narration.
► Interruptions signal collaborative effort and mutual involvement.
► Shared knowledge of the event has implications for turn-taking and projectability.