ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews findings from Conversation analysis (CA) studies of interactional phenomena that constitute or play prominent roles in what would likely be regarded as conflict. It considers ways in which much interaction is built to “prefer” agreement and minimise the likelihood of conflict. The chapter provides an overview of the conceptual and methodological commitments of CA highlights some markedly distinct stances CA researchers take toward the study of human linguistic conduct. It also reviews research on repair, dispreference, misalignment, disaffiliation, epistemic challenges and complaints — the building blocks from which people constitute resistance or trouble in talk. The chapter focuses on how the actions can lead to full-fledged disagreements and arguments. It also focuses on negotiation and mediation as formal, institutional interactions devoted to resolving differences. A primary location for human conflict is in real-time, spoken interaction.
