Question-Response Interacional Patterns Of TV Talk Shows: A Conversation Analytic Approach

An analysis of the TV Talk Show concept reveals that the conversation is freed-flowing and usually impromptu. The conversation, though unrehearsed, is guided by direct interpersonal interaction between host, guest, audience as well as vivid audio and visual integration for staying focused on the topic.This thesis, based on a thorough investigation of Chinese TV talk show programs in line with the Conversation Analysis Approach, guided by the Interactional Linguistics, proposes the main patterns of question-response interaction and describes the characteristics of interaction patterns.A successful TV Talk Show program should take the interaction patterns into consideration and mobilize the enthusiasm of the participants with the aim of revealing the theme of the topics.The present study may add comprehensiveness to the study of nature of question-response interaction in TV talk shows. It is also hoped that the investigation into the question-response interaction in TV talk shows may benefit the chief editors, sponsors and especially the hosts in similar TV talk show programs.As pointed out at the end of this thesis, much more work remains to be done about question-response interaction in the program and other similar talk show programs, since the present study only makes a macro study on the main patterns. Future work can be carried out in different situations of the talk program and other linguistic perspectives can be examined.