O n f e r e n c e

Transcripts as tools for studying communication 
One of the main tools in discourse analysis is the use of transcripts. As Cameron (2001) 
states, without a written representation, spoken discourse is impossible to analyse 
systematically. Thus, studies of interaction have used different transcript models to study 
spoken discourse. 
There are several transcript models to account for face-to-face classroom interaction 
(Calsamiglia & Tusón, 1999, Cambra, M., 2003; Schiffrin, D., 1994). These transcripts 
focus both on the superficial structure of enunciation and those non-linguistic elements 
that are used by participants in the language classroom. As can be seen from the great 
number of available transcripts, there is no ‘standard’ transcription method as the chosen 
method depends on what the researcher is studying and thus, the transcript should be 
adapted to the researcher’s needs. Furthermore, the researcher will always need to take 
certain decisions which will affect the transcription. 
However, when studying a language class in a virtual world, these transcripts become 
insufficient. Although language classes carried out in virtual worlds share some traits with 
the face-to-face classroom (for more detailed information on this issue see Sweeney et 
al, 2010) there are some features in virtual worlds that are irrelevant or non-existent in 
face-to
—
face classroom contexts such as avatar choice, avatar movements (jumping, 
flying, walking, running, dancing), media elements which come into play within the 
environment, interface information (action that the person does on the computer 
program). Thus, it is apparent that a new transcription method is needed to account for 
the multiplicity of elements such as the various channels of communication and the 
different modes of this environment. 
Many studies have transcribed and studied interactions that occur in CMC environments 
the same way as a face-to-face class.

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-286- 
2014 CALL Conference 
LINGUAPOLIS
www.antwerpcall.be 
In this study a multi-layered transcription method is proposed which accounts for the 
aforementioned multiplicity of elements of the interactions occurring in this 3D online 
environment.