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Title
Dialogical Interaction in Formal and Informal Contexts: A Study in an EFL Situation

Authors
Reza Pishghadam (Ph.D.)
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
Mohammad Reza Hashemi (Ph.D.)
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
S.M. Reza Adel (Ph.D. candidate)
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

Bio Data
Reza Pishghadam is assistant professor in TEFL, teaching in the English Department of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. His main research interests are: Language testing, First language acquisition, and Sociolinguistics. Mohammad Reza Hashemi is assistant professor in Applied Linguistics, teaching in the English Department of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. His main research interests are: Discourse analysis, Stylistics and Translation studies.

S.M. Reza Adel is a Ph.D. candidate in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. His main research interests are: Psycholinguistics and Critical education.

Abstract
The major aim of this study was to examine the dominant classroom discourse in formal and informal settings in Iran. To this end, employing qualitative design, the researchers collected the required data. Based on the results obtained, levels of formality, teachers’ questions, facilities and forms of classrooms, learner’s generated topics vs. teacher’s/others’ imposed topics, students’/teachers’ motivation, and monologue vs. dialogue were among the typical themes identified and classified for more detailed critical analysis. The study concluded by placing emphasis on a democratic pedagogy where dialogue played a central role and a eorganization of what was once held to be an indisputable truth.

Key Words: Classroom discourse, Critical analysis, Dialogue, Formal and informal settings