Combining the main findings, methods and analytic techniques of this central approach to language and social interaction, along with real-life examples and step-by-step explanations, Conversation Analysis is the ideal student guide to the field. * Introduces the main findings, methods and analytic techniques of conversation analysis (CA) - a growing interdisciplinary field exploring language and social interaction* Provides an engaging historical overview of the field, along with detailed coverage of the key findings in each area of CA and a guide to current research* Examines the way talk is composed, and how conversation structures highlight aspects of human behavior* Focuses on the most important domains of organization in conversation, including turn-taking, action sequencing, repair, stories, openings and closings, and the effect of context* Includes real-life examples and step-by-step explanations, making it an ideal guide for students navigating this growing field