An analysis of oye as a sequential and action marker in conversation

Abstract

The present investigation uses the methodology of Conversation Analysis to identify the systematic functions of the imperative form of the Spanish verb oír, i.e. oye or oiga in everyday conversations. The data consists of video and audio recordings of interactions in Mexican Spanish. I make observations on how telephone conversations start, showing how oye marks a shift from the rituals of telephone conversations to the reason of the call. I illustrate that oye initiates a pre-sequence and identify and discuss two properties of oye: non-terminality and conditional relevance. I show how oye is used to shift the topic of conversation. I analyse the turns in which oye is followed by an assessment, suggesting that oye is used to draw the attention to a particular element in the interaction, and to express surprise or indicate that something is not normal. Moreover, I analyse oye at the end of the turn; in this context oye is accompanied by a complaint, and is used to keep the link with the previous talk.