<P> The development of conversational skills and etiquette is an important part of socialization . The development of conversational skills in a new language is a frequent focus of language teaching and learning . </P> <P> Conversation analysis is a branch of sociology which studies the structure and organization of human interaction, with a more specific focus on conversational interaction . </P> <P> No generally accepted definition of conversation exists, beyond the fact that a conversation involves at least two people talking together . Consequently, the term is often defined by what it is not . A ritualized exchange such as a mutual greeting is not a conversation, and an interaction that includes a marked status differential (such as a boss giving orders) is also not a conversation . An interaction with a tightly focused topic or purpose is also generally not considered a conversation . Summarizing these properties, one authority writes that "Conversation is the kind of speech that happens informally, symmetrically, and for the purposes of establishing and maintaining social ties ." </P> <P> From a less technical perspective, a writer on etiquette in the early 20th century defined conversation as the polite give and take of subjects thought of by people talking with each other for company . </P>

Face to face information seeking conversation sometimes defined as a conversation with a purpose