Abstract
Presupposed in the earliest discourses we experience are implicit concepts concerning the nature of the self and identity. This paper examines the idea that through exposure to, and participation in, talk, the young infant is provided with appropriate discourses regarding what constitutes self and identity. Arguably, engaging in conversation entails entering into the coโconstruction of participant stories, folkโbeliefs and everyday narratives concerning the nature and status of the self. The young child learns that he/she is required to display different versions of him/herself depending on the nature of the context. This study of the development of the discursive self begins by examining the discourse genres of the self made available to the child, that is, versions of the self presupposed in the caregivers' talk. Employing conversation analytic methods, a microโanalysis of the talk of a parentโchild dyad forms the basis of the study. The infant and parent (father) were videoโtaped during mealtimes from when the infant was 18 months to 28 months old. The nature of the discourses informing ideas of the developing self are highlighted through considering examples in the parent's talk throughout this period. The findings are discussed in light of contemporary theories of the self in developmental psychology. Copyright ยฉ 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.