Self-Representation

Abstract

One way of implementing self-presentational goals in conversation can be termed self-representation (SR); that is, explicitly referring to attributes, actions, or qualities of the self. SR is studied as a form of self-disclosure. Studying spontaneous SR in natural discourse implies analyzing how the self is introduced into talk previously focused on another topic. Descriptive analyses of cases from the present corpus focus on describing SR sequences and explaining them according to the interactional circumstances of their production. Three forms are discussed: (a) elicited SR, where predetermined questions on the interview agenda lead to more talk about oneself; (b) emergent SR, which is a response to an unforeseen conversational situation; and (c) strategic SR, where self-talk can be attributed to a conversational goal on the part of the narrator. Discussion focuses on the nature of SR as a sensitive topic and related implications of the data for interview methodology.