Speeding transcript.

         *explaining to a police officer why you were speeding*

 Policewomen:  Can you step out of the car please?

John: Uhhh, I am so sorry but I I I am in a rush. 

PW: There is no excuse, please get out of the car

J: (gets out the car, starts to shuffle with nerves) 

PW: So, what is your excuse for breaking the law then, sir? 

J: Well, umm (.) my mother is seriously ill and (.) she is very close to passing away and I uh just wanted to see her one last time. (Lots of hand gestures which shows nerves) 

PW: Oh, umm, I am, umm so sorry (avoiding eye contact)

J: It’s it’s okay, I just (1) want to see her one last time. (Fidgeting) 

PW: Of course you do (.) where is she? In hospital?

J: Yes, the umm one in town, I was trying to beat the traffic. 

PW: Well, I shall uh drive you to your mother (1) that will get you there quicker and you’ll have longer with her 

J: Uh thanks (.) Do I need to do anything, for being pulled over? 

PW: No (.) I’ve been in a similar situation myself. I uh know how you feel so I’ll just forget about it and take you there. 

J: Sorry to uh hear that 

PW: Its fine (.) let’s get you to the hospital (smile to lighten mood) 

J: Thank you officer (.) this means a lot 

PW: Park your car on the side of the road and I’ll pick it up later on the way back. 

J: Thank you  

(The two get into the car and drive off to the hospital)  

Features of the text:

- Formal register – police officer has authority, influential power

- Non-fluency features – hedges and pauses

- Implied that the police officer is not charging him

- ‘So’ is a discourse marker.

- ‘Sir’ appropriate address terms

- Avoiding eye contact – paralinguistic features