ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part presents helpful discussions of small talk, as a generic phenomenon. It examines institutional interaction, but they ask how lay and academic conceptual 'lenses' for looking at talk guide how talk is perceived. The part argues that the status of an exchange as small talk, and the complex functions that such talk serves in the workplace, can only be established in a rich contextual analysis. It considers the purposes of particular social exchanges in particular contexts, and the symmetrical or asymmetrical statuses of the participants. The part focuses on instrumentality, with small talk largely seen as a skill or accomplishment needed to make connections and to succeed generally. It also considers cross-cultural variation in the use and interpretation of both small talk and silence.
