| R |
And you've put here, that you want to apply for that course because there are more jobs ... the *trade. |
| A |
Yeah (low). |
| R |
So perhaps you could explain to Mr. C. *apart from *that reason, *why else you want to apply for *electrical work. |
| A |
I think I like ... this job in my-, as a profession. |
| C |
And *why do you think you'll *like it? |
| A |
Why? |
| C |
Could you explain to me why? |
| A |
Why do I like it? I think it is more job *prospect. |
| Comments & analysis |
| At this point in the selection interview, an electrician with a South Asian background is "tested" for his interest in the course. According to Gumperz (1999:466-7), A does not seem to notice that the interviewers, indirectly, by strategically positioning their accents, are attempting to direct the candidate's attention to significant points in the arguments where he may expand his answer. The exchange above illustrates but one aspect of a larger set of conventions which together account for a failed application. However, the explanation offered does more than just invoke cultural differences. Other factors to be considered are A's limited exposure to informal contacts in which "local" conventions can be learned and the role of language ideologies which, for instance, equate control of the officially-accepted standard language with basic ability. |
Example and analysis quoted from Gumperz (1999
). |
