A conversation analysis with Colin and Bradley

[plain_jane08]

For my Linguistics course I had to write an essay analysing a conversation, specifically, an interview. I chose to do this interview with Colin and Bradley. (The Geek Syndicate one from the BFI event.) I'm mainly discussed power dynamics. I must say, it is SO strange to be writing about Colin and Bradley and have it not be a fanfic! My brain kept

Comments

[amazonbard88]

This is really interesting.

Once again Colin gains dominance

this of course made me giggle! :)

[mrs_rochester11]

This is really interesting, and it's soo cool that you got to write about it for a class:) Love hearing about Colin dominating *teehee* Sorry, I'm an immature fangirl; really cool though!!!

[anonymous]

Your word choice seemed a bit loaded - is that standard for linguistic analysis? The presupposition of competition and the word "dominance" seems a little surprising as both Colin and Bradley are working towards a common goal - the promotion of a show that has benefited both of them enormously. Your context of competition is also seems to ignore that that these two have worked in a collaborative venture and that their willingness to collaborate is key to their success. They both a lot of attention to the nuances of the other

[anonymous]

SA

Meant to also say that interviews are artificial constructs, unlike conversations which evolve more naturally. If you really want to push Colin being dominant, go back to Colin talking about his first stunt. Colin talks, Bradley cuts him off, Colin reproves Bradley, Bradley accepts the reproof. On the other hand, Bradley's standard slouch at BFI can either mean "I'm so fricking tired I can't stand it" or "I'm in control."

Whatevs. I think these two respect each other a lot.

[amazonbard88]

Whatevs. I think these two respect each other a lot.

I don't think she was implying otherwise. =)

[lawgoddess]

That was an interesting and fun read.

I'd always thought that Bradley did a lot of talking for the two of them, and that he sort of "took care of" Colin by fielding questions, etc.

But as has been said above, Colin seems more relaxed and comfortable now.

I find analysis of their body language fascinating, and hope more of that will be done, too.

[anonymous]

This is really interesting and I wish you'd be required to do the whole interview or several of their interviews. Just one thing that occurred to me, and it's not disagreeing with you, it's interesting that it happened to be in the bit you selected that Colin is praising Bradley, because I think that's quite untypical of their interviews and DVD commentaries, etc. My perception is that Bradley gives Colin a lot of praise, whether he's with him or not, and that all the cast single Colin out for praise or mentions, but it is very untypical of Colin to single people out for praise unless the questioner asks him specificially about a person. I don't know if anyone else would agree? That Colin volunteered a specific praise of Bradley in this interview stood out for me and seemed (my projection) to show growing confidence in interview, and (again my projection) I think Bradley looks like it means a lot to him.

[anonymous]

SA - I wish I wouldn't post before I think out what I mean. I don't mean any criticism of Colin. I mean that I think because he lacks confidence in interview he sometimes struggles to give a clear personal opinion rather than a sort of 'everyone and everything's great' general enthusiasm. I felt for Colin to give Bradley detailed praise was a reversal of their usual roles and seemed like a really nice moment, that's all.