The current study presents the Conversation Analysis theoretical and methodological qualitative approach and discusses the ways through which it can contribute to the core goal of this study, which is, to understand how the signification of childhood is related to the process of language socialization and, thus, to child development. Naturally occurring data from two Brazilian families' daily routines are investigated. The cultural meanings related to childhood observed in the investigated families seem to define distinct spaces for child development. In one of the families, childhood is seen as a transitory stage in order to become a grown-up and, then, to be able to fully participate in the activities organized by adults. In the other family, childhood is understood as a stage in full development, in which adults' activities are organized regarding the child.
Child development; Talk-in-interaction; Conversation analysis; Family organization; Childhood