GERMANY WILL BE ONE SINGLE CONCRETE BLOCK - POINT-OF-VIEW AND REFERENCE TO TOPIC ASPECTS IN ADVERSARIAL DISCUSSIONS ON IMMIGRATION

This study analyses the effects of point of view on reference to topic aspects in dyadic discussions in which interlocutors disagreed. A tot al of 18 dyadic discussions about restrictions on immigration into Ger many (one proponent of restrictions and one opponent) were analysed, u sing a category system of seven main aspects and 37 subaspects. From l inguistic perspectivity theory, it was proposed that different points of view would lead to differences in frequency and quality of referenc e to main aspects and subaspects. Results indicated that both groups r eferred to the same pool of aspects. Proponents of restrictions, howev er; referred more often. to the subaspect ''population density in Germ any'' than did opponents. In addition proponents stressed ''economic r easons for immigration,'' whereas opponents emphasised ''global econom ic interrelations'' and ''moral responsibility for refugees.'' A quali tative analysis of the sequential interactive use of aspect showed dif ferent patterns of aspect negotiation in the dialogues, suggesting dir ections for future research on, such negotiation processes in naturall y occurring dialogues.