How do children learn the intangible rules of conversation, how do theymake talk "work?" Adults usually regard talk as a simple means of conveying information. Garvey's examination of children's talk reveals, however, that much more than this goes on in any conversational exchange.

Talk always takes place in a particular situation or context: the speakers are continuously interpreting what is going on, and they adjust their responses accordingly. To be sure that the message is received, children must learn to engage the attention of the other person, to take turns at talking, and to...