The telephone visit. 'Hold on, Gramps!'

Abstract

Summary: An essential aspect of telephone use by the general public is its role at key moments in family life: marriage, divorce or separation, birth, childhood events, illness and death. Usually an event is announced by telephone; a letter or a telegram is considered less appropriate, at least for the more immediate family members. While any telephone conversation enables interlocutors to maintain their relationships, the announcement by phone of an event relevant to the family emphasises them. One telephones to announce an event, to inquire about another's well-being, to reassure a family member, to provide support and to be, in a sense, present.