Different Kinds of Conversational Perspective-Taking

Consider this interchange between an interviewer(7) and respondent (R) in a major national survey (reported in Suchman & Jordan, 1991): ¹ I

Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or what.

R

As a person.

I

As a Republican::

R

No.

I

Democrat: :

R

No.

I

Independent or what.

R

Uhm: : I think of myself as a (pause) Christian.

I

OK. (Writing) But politically, would you have any particular: : (inaudible)

R

I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses so, you know, when it comes to::

I

I see.

R

So I'm, I am acclimated toward government, but it is that of Jehovah God's kingdom.

I

Yes.