Conversational Discourse

We are currently researching how English-speaking adults talk about themselves and their lives in everyday conversations. We are especially interested in talking to people 18 and older who have a disability, chronic illness, or any related life experiences. Participants meet with us for about an hour or hour and a half for a recorded research conversation. The data from these conversations is then available to W&M researchers -- including students! -- to discover more about how people use language.

We also have conversations on video chat platforms, such as Zoom. Our goal is to learn about how computer-mediated conversations are similar and different to how we talk in in person.

If you're interested in learning more, you can contact us at discourseanalysis@wm.edu or fill out the form below to volunteer to participate in our research.

DA@WM Research Conversation FormYou are invited to participate in research about the ways that people talk about themselves and their lives. We are especially interested in talking to people who have disabilities, people who have chronic illnesses, or people with related life experiences. You will have a conversation with a researcher who will ask you everyday questions. The conversation will be recorded and will take about an hour to an hour and a half. Participation is entirely voluntary. There is no compensation. Everyone aged 18 and over is welcome. Please fill out the form below to indicate your interest and availability. We will contact you via email. Thanks!