Quote-and-Reply in WeChat: A Conversation Analytic Study

This study explores uses of the quote-and-reply (Q&R) function in WeChat through conversation analysis. Analyzing 7 naturally occurring chat samples, the research identifies 3 primary interactional practices: sequence-jumping, which enables responses to non-adjacent turns across temporal gaps; r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inStudies in applied linguistics & TESOL Vol. 25; no. 1
Main Author Yang, Yajing
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Columbia University Libraries 14.07.2025
Subjects
conversation analysis
digital communication
Quote-and-reply (Q&R)
WeChat
Online AccessGet full text
ISSN2689-193X
2689-193X
DOI10.52214/salt.v25i1.14084

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Summary:This study explores uses of the quote-and-reply (Q&R) function in WeChat through conversation analysis. Analyzing 7 naturally occurring chat samples, the research identifies 3 primary interactional practices: sequence-jumping, which enables responses to non-adjacent turns across temporal gaps; response facilitation, where quotes are incorporated in the message to enhance clarity and thematic coherence; and spotlighting prior text, which emphasizes specific messages for alignment or humor. Findings reveal how Q&R transforms digital communication by mitigating challenges of multi-party chats and asynchronous interactions. The study contributes to understanding how platform-specific features reshape conversation structures, offering insights for designing more effective digital communication tools. 
ISSN:2689-193X
2689-193X
DOI:10.52214/salt.v25i1.14084