13

This article explores what “good” self-expression means for a child, when his or her speech is solicited by an adult, across three different linguistic markets: An interview conducted by a researcher within the domestic space, a medical consultation at the hospital, expressive activities at school (mainly debates and presentations). The comparison of three different contexts enables us to bring out the recurrent normative expectations surrounding children’s self-expression and to identify the effects interaction situations have on children’s speech. Across contexts, three characteristics of children’s self-expression appear to be particularly valued: Namely, that it be voluntary, personal and effective. However, this work highlights that children are often unequally able to meet these expectations, due to their class and gender socialization.