ADJACENCY PAIRS

(A Paper)

By:

Group Three

ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM

DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION

FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION

LAMPUNG UNIVERSITY

2023
 ADJACENCY PAIRS

(A Paper)

By: Group Three

1. Tirta Bella Xenia (2213042092)

2. Dian Harissaturahmah (2253042004)

3. Silvi Diana Tama (2253042014)

ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM

DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION

FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION

LAMPUNG UNIVERSITY

2023
 PREFACE

We express our gratitude and praise to the One Almighty God who has showered us
with His grace and blessings and allowed us to successfully complete this work. The title
of this paper is "Adjacency Pairs" and it has been prepared to fulfil the requirements of
the Pragmatics course.

In an era of increasing communication, understanding how people interact in

conversation is becoming increasingly important. Pragmatics, as a branch of linguistics
that focuses on the use of language in social contexts, provides an in-depth understanding
of various aspects of human communication. One concept that stands out in pragmatics
is 'adjacency pairs'.

This paper aims to explain the concept of adjacency pairs in pragmatics. We will
explore key aspects such as the types of adjacency pairs, their functions in conversation,
and their role in understanding social interaction. In addition, we will provide concrete
examples from various everyday conversational situations that illustrate the use of
adjacency pairs.

The author acknowledges that this paper is far from perfect, both in terms of structure
and content. Consequently, the author hopes that feedback from readers will help to
improve future papers. In conclusion, the author hopes that this paper can provide a solid
understanding of adjacency pairs and offer valuable insights in the quest to improve the
quality of pragmatics.

Bandar Lampung, October 18, 2023

Group Three

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE .......................................................................................................................... i

TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................. ii

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION .................................................................................. 1

1.1 Background Of The Problem ............................................................................. 1

1.2 Problem Formulation ......................................................................................... 2

1.3 Purpose Of The Paper ........................................................................................ 2

CHAPTER II DISCUSSION ......................................................................................... 4

2.1 Definition of Adjacency Pairs ............................................................................ 4

2.2 The Adjacency Pairs Function ........................................................................... 5

2.3 Characteristics of Adjacency Pairs..................................................................... 6

2.4 Adjacency Pairs types and examples ................................................................. 7

2.5 Tips For Adjacency Pairs To Run Smoothly ...................................................... 8

CHAPTER III CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION.............................................. 10

3.1 Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 10

3.2 Suggestion .........................................................................................................11

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................... 12

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 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of The Problem

Pragmatics is a branch of linguistics that studies the meaning and function of
language in the context of communication. One important aspect of pragmatics is
adjacency pairs, which are pairs of utterances produced by two consecutive
speakers, where the second utterance is functionally dependent on the first, such as
greetings, invitations, requests, and so on. Adjacency pairs are units of
conversational organization that show how speakers interact with each other and
organize their speaking turns. Adjacency pairs also reflect the cultural values and
social norms that prevail among speakers.

The importance of adjacency pairs in pragmatics is striking in several aspects.

First, adjacency pairs help understand how human communication interactions are
structured and take place. In every speech act, there is an expectation of an
appropriate response, e.g. when someone asks a question, there is an expectation of
an answer. This creates a framework that allows conversations to run smoothly and
in an organized manner.

Secondly, adjacency pairs help in understanding the social implications and

ethical norms in conversation. For example, in some cultures, when someone makes
an exclamation such as "Please help me!", there is an expectation of a positive
response or offer of help. This reflects the social norms that govern human
interaction.

Thirdly, the concept of adjacency pairs also plays an important role in

avoiding misunderstandings and conflicts in conversations. When this pattern of
pairs is disrupted or ignored, the conversation can become chaotic, and the message
conveyed can be misunderstood. Therefore, understanding adjacency pairs helps in
creating effective communication.

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 In everyday life, adjacency pairs are widely applied. For example, questions
and answers are the most common adjacency pairs. When someone asks, for
example, "How are you?" it is expected that there is a corresponding answer such
as "Fine, thank you." Request and agreement is another pair that often appears in
everyday interactions. When someone asks for a favor or makes a request, a
response in the form of agreement or refusal is an important part of the conversation
structure.

In conclusion, adjacency pairs are crucial concepts in pragmatics that help in

the understanding, organization, and effectiveness of human communication. Its
application in everyday conversations helps us communicate better, understand
social norms, and maintain smooth social interactions. Therefore, understanding the
concept of adjacency pairs has significant value in the context of human
communication.

1.2 Problem Formulation

1. What is the definition of Adjacency Pairs?
2. What is the function of Adjacency Pairs?
3. What are the Characteristics of Adjacency Pairs?
4. What are the types of adjacency pairs?
5. How to apply Adjacency Pairs?

1.3 Purpose Of The Paper

The purpose of this paper is:

1. The reader is expected to be able to clearly define and explain the concept
of Adjacency Pairs in order to grasp a basic understanding of how these
pairs function in the context of human communication.
2. The reader is expected to Analyse the various functions that Adjacency Pairs
have in human speech to understand their role in regulating social

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 interaction, information exchange, as well as the expression of emotions and
cultural values.
3. The reader is expected to Explain the main characteristics of Adjacency
Pairs, such as FPP (First Pair Part) and SPP (Second Pair Part), and how
these two parts contribute to the fluency of everyday conversations.
4. The reader is expected to Identify and explain different types of Adjacency
Pairs, including Greeting, Request, Offer/Invite, Assessment, Question,
Compliment, and Degreeting, to understand the variations in the use of these
pairs in various situations.
5. Readers are expected to know the strategies and principles of applying
Adjacency Pairs in daily conversation, including principles such as the
Cooperative Principle and Maxims of Quality, Quantity, Relation, and
Manner, to understand how these pairs are used effectively in human
communication.

With these objectives in mind, this paper will provide a comprehensive

understanding of Adjacency Pairs, including their definition, function,
characteristics, variety of types, and a practical guide to applying them in daily
conversation.

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 CHAPTER II
DISCUSSION

2.1 Definition of Adjacency Pairs

Adjacency pairs are a fundamental concept in conversation analysis,
describing how two individuals interact in turn. The concept consists of two stages
of speech performed by two speakers in sequence. The first stage, or first turn, acts
as a trigger that induces the second stage, or second turn, which serves as a
response. It is important to note that adjacency pairs are present in every language
and their variation depends on the context and content which is influenced by the
cultural values held by the speakers of the language. Often, speakers use adjacency
pairs unconsciously, as it is an integral component in their language use and
permeates language comprehension and expression.

The importance of adjacency pairs becomes apparent in the language learning

process, especially when one is learning a language that is not their native language.
This is because the cultural meaning and context behind adjacency pairs may not
always be obvious to speakers of a foreign language. The adjacency pairs theory in
pragmatics was first introduced by Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson in 1974. This
theory explains that in conversation, there is a pattern of interrelated pairs of
utterances. Each pair of utterances consists of two components, namely the first part
and the second part, which have functional dependence on each other.

Common examples of speech pairs include greetings and replies, questions

and answers, requests and permissions, and more. In this theoretical framework, the
first part of an utterance pair often functions as an initiation or trigger, while the
second part acts as a response. The two have a close semantic relationship and
influence each other in achieving certain communicative goals in the conversation.

Analysing conversations using side-by-side pair theory is important because

it helps us understand how messages are conveyed and received in specific social

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 contexts. By understanding this concept, we can more effectively communicate and
interpret messages in everyday conversations.

2.2 The Adjacency Pairs Function

Adjacency pairs have several functions in conversation, including:

1. Turn-taking

One of the primary functions of adjacency pairs is to facilitate turn-taking

in a conversation. They provide a structured mechanism for speakers to alternate
their contributions to the dialogue. When the first speaker initiates an utterance, it
prompts a response from the second speaker, leading to a seamless exchange of
ideas and information.

2. Establishing social relationships

Adjacency pairs can also serve as a tool for establishing and nurturing
social relationships between individuals engaged in conversation. Greetings and
reciprocal greetings, for instance, help build social rapport by acknowledging each
other's presence and conveying friendliness or politeness.

3. Conveying information

Another essential function of adjacency pairs is the transmission of

information between participants in a conversation. Question-and-answer pairs
are a common example, where questions seek specific information, and answers
provide the relevant details. This function allows for the efficient exchange of
knowledge and facts.

4. Expressing agreement or disagreement

Adjacency pairs are employed to express agreement or disagreement in

conversations. Request-response pairs, particularly when requests are either
granted or denied, illustrate this function. They enable speakers to convey consent

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 or dissent, indicating their willingness or refusal to comply with a particular
request.

5. Demonstrating cultural values

Adjacency pairs are influenced by cultural norms and values, reflecting the
social and cultural context in which they are used. The frequency, formulation,
structure, and content of these pairs can demonstrate the cultural values and norms
held by speakers of a particular language or community. This reveals the
significance of culture in shaping the way people communicate and interact
through adjacency pairs.

2.3 Characteristics of Adjacency Pairs

1. Two Utterances

Adjacency pairs have the unique characteristic of having two related

utterances. This means that each adjacency pair consists of two mutually
supportive utterances, such as request and response, question and answer, or praise
and blame. As such, the first utterance triggers or directs the second, creating a
functional dependency between the two.

2. The utterances are adjacent

One of the characteristics of adjacency pairs is that the utterances are close
to each other in the conversation. That is, the first utterance immediately follows
the second, creating a smooth and continuous flow in the dialog. The presence of
an adjacent first utterance and second utterance helps maintain the structure of the
conversation and allows the speakers to interact efficiently.

3. Different speakers produce each utterance

An adjacency pair is characterized by the fact that each utterance is

produced by a different speaker. In the context of a conversation, this describes
the alternation of roles between speakers, with one person initiating with a first

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 utterance that elicits a response from the second speaker. This feature illustrates
that conversation is the result of collaboration between different participants and
that each speaker plays an important role in the construction of meaning in the
context of communication.

2.4 Adjacency Pairs types and examples

1. Greeting - Greeting

This adjacency pair consists of two greetings exchanged by two speakers,

usually at the beginning of a conversation. The function of this adjacency pair is
to show politeness, interest, and recognition towards the interlocutor. Example:
"Hello, how are you?" → "Hello, fine."

2. Request - Acceptance/Refusal

This pair consists of a request followed by an acceptance or refusal from

the interlocutor. The function of this pair is to request or grant help, permission,
or cooperation. Example: "Could you lend me this book?" → "Of course, please."
or "Sorry, I still need it."

3. Offer/Invite - Acceptance/Refusal

This pair consists of an offer or invitation followed by an acceptance or

refusal from the interlocutor. The function of this pair is to offer or invite
something favorable or pleasant to the interlocutor. Example: "Would you like a
cup of coffee?" → "Yes, thank you." or "No, thank you, I'm full."

4. Assessment - Agreement/Disagreement

This pair consists of an assessment or opinion followed by an agreement

or disagreement from the interlocutor. The function of this pair is to express or
respond to a point of view, attitude, or feeling about something. Example: "That
movie was very good." → "Yes, I agree." or "No, I don't like it."

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 5. Question - Expected Answer/Unexpected Answer or Non-Answer

These proximity pairs consist of a question followed by an expected

answer, an unexpected answer, or no answer from the interlocutor. The function
of this proximity pair is to request or provide information, test knowledge, or raise
a protest. Example: "What is the name of the president of Indonesia?" → "Joko
Widodo." (expected answer), "Donald Trump." (unexpected answer), or "..." (no
answer).

6. Compliment - Acceptance/Refusal

This adjacency pair involves a compliment that can be followed by a

response of either acceptance or refusal. For example, one can give a compliment
like "Your outfit is really nice!" and the other person can either accept with "Thank
you" or reject with "No, it's not." It is used to share appreciation or manage
positive comments.

7. Degreeting - Degreeting

This pair consists of two parting remarks exchanged by two speakers,

usually at the end of a conversation. The function of this pair is to close the
conversation in a polite, friendly, and respectful manner. Example: "See you
soon." → "See you too."

2.5 Tips For Adjacency Pairs To Run Smoothly

Adjacency pairs are pairs of two functionally related turns of
speech, such as greeting-apology, praise-thank you, request-agreement,
and so on. Adjacency pairs form a basic pattern in conversation, as each
turn of speech affects the next.

Cooperative principle is a principle that assumes that conversation

participants strive to communicate effectively and efficiently, by following some

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 implicit rules called maxims. Maxims are guidelines that help conversation
participants to convey and understand the intent of the speaking turn.

1. Maxim of Quality

Maxim of quality is a rule that requires conversation participants to

only say what they believe to be true, and only say what they have evidence
for. This rule aims to maintain honesty and accuracy in conversation.

2. Maxim of Quantity (Quantity of Information)

Maxim of quantity is a rule that requires conversation participants to

provide information that is appropriate to the need, no less and no more. This
rule aims to maintain balance and relevance in conversation.

3. Maxim of Relation (relevance)

Maxim of relation is a rule that requires conversation participants to

make their contributions relevant to the topic or context of the conversation.
This rule aims to maintain relatedness and coherence in the conversation.

4. Maxim of Manner (be clear)

Maxim of manner is a rule that requires the participants of a

conversation to speak clearly, not confusing, not rambling, and not
convoluted. This rule aims to maintain clarity and legibility in conversation.

By using cooperative principles and maxims, conversation participants can ensure

that adjacency pairs run smoothly and effectively, without causing misunderstanding or
confusion. Cooperative principles and maxims can also help conversation participants to
capture the implied intentions or implicatures of their turn.

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 CHAPTER III
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

3.1 Conclusion
In this paper, it has comprehensively explained the concept of Adjacency
Pairs in the context of pragmatics and highlighted the importance of applying this
concept in everyday conversation. Adjacency Pairs, as an important unit in
pragmatics, help us understand the structure and dynamics of human
conversations. They not only regulate the fluency of conversations, but also play
an important role in establishing social relationships, conveying information, as
well as reflecting cultural values in communication. The main characteristics of
Adjacency Pairs, such as FPP and SPP, provide a deep look into how turn
exchange occurs in human interaction. The types of Adjacency Pairs reflect a
variety of diverse conversational situations, and the principles of the Cooperative
Principle with different Maxims help guide the effective use of Adjacency Pairs.
With a deep understanding of all these elements, we can better communicate in
daily life, understand social norms, and maintain more efficient and meaningful
social relationships. Thus, Adjacency Pairs is not just a linguistic concept, but also
an important instrument in understanding human interaction in the context of
pragmatics and in smoothing out everyday conversations.

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3.2 Suggestion
The importance of fluency in everyday conversation cannot be
overlooked. To achieve this goal, it is important for readers to understand and
apply the Maxim principles in the use of Adjacency Pairs. First, in formal or
informal situations, understanding the context is key. When speaking to a boss,
spouse, or friend, we must recognize the appropriate communication frame and
adapt our speaking style accordingly.

In addition, answering clearly and relevantly is important. Not overdoing

information and avoiding beating around the bush are other principles that should
be applied. In the use of Adjacency Pairs, we should give answers that match the
question or statement given by the interlocutor.

It is also important to always use honest information, as trust is the basis

of interacting with others. By applying the Maxim principles, conversations
become more efficient and effective, which in turn can help in building strong
social relationships. With this paper, readers will understand how important it is
to apply Maxim principles in everyday communication and how this can help
improve the fluency of conversations and strengthen social relationships.

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The Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition. (n.d.). Pragmatik dan tindak
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