Analysis of Conversational Repair in the Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Friendships: The Big Bang Theory as an example

Abstract

The language people use could form an important part of their sense of who they are or their identities. This research aims to describe pragmatic features and conversational repair strategies employed in dialogues characterized by symmetrical and asymmetrical relationships. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, the study analyzes dialogues from the English sitcom The Big Bang Theory, specifically focusing on interactions between Sheldon and Penny (symmetrical relationship) and between Sheldon and Leonard (asymmetrical relationship). The findings reveal distinct patterns in conversational repair strategies across relationship types. In a symmetrical friendship, both self-repair and other-repair strategies are implemented to resolve conversational difficulties. Conversely, in an asymmetrical friendship, self-repair strategies are exclusively employed when the higher-status individual commits verbal errors. Furthermore, the study identifies specific attendant activities accompanying repair processes: apologies and instructions follow corrections in a symmetrical friendship, while compromise and complaints characterize repair sequence in an asymmetrical friendship. This research highlights the significance of employing appropriate conversational repair in daily communication across diverse interpersonal relationships, demonstrating how diverse repair strategies are used in different relationships to smooth the communication and maintain relationship dynamics.