Why do we, like, hesitate when we, um, speak? - Lorenzo García-Amaya

Summary

This script delves into the fascinating role of hesitation words like 'um,' 'uh,' and others in communication. Despite being labeled as 'disfluencies' or filler words, these pauses play an important role in conversation, signaling to listeners that a speaker is still thinking or about to present important information. Filled pauses, along with discourse markers such as 'like' and 'you know,' help listeners follow a speaker’s thought process, and even aid in language learning by helping listeners and learners navigate awkward pauses. These subtle communication cues carry deeper meaning beyond their superficial appearance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Filled pauses like 'um,' 'uh,' and 'like' are often seen as distractions in speech, but they actually serve important communicative functions.
• 😀 These hesitation phenomena help speakers manage the flow of conversation by signaling when they need more time to think or choose the right word.
• 😀 Filled pauses are not universal errors; rather, they have contextual meanings that help listeners interpret speech more effectively.
• 😀 Words like 'like,' 'well,' and 'you know' function as discourse markers, helping guide the flow of conversation and indicating the speaker's attitude or intent.
• 😀 Hesitation phenomena, including filled pauses, help listeners anticipate upcoming information and make speech more engaging.
• 😀 Filled pauses can enhance memory retention. Studies have shown that people are more likely to remember a word if it follows a hesitation.
• 😀 Discourse markers and hesitation phenomena are essential for language acquisition, helping both children and second-language learners understand and use language more fluidly.
• 😀 In second-language acquisition, hesitation phenomena signal emerging fluency and allow learners to participate in conversations without fear of interrupting their thought process.
• 😀 Despite their importance in spoken language, hesitation phenomena and discourse markers are not appropriate in formal writing, where clarity and precision are prioritized.
• 😀 While some people view hesitation markers negatively, they play an essential role in communication by making speech more dynamic and meaningful.

Q & A

What are some common targets of language regulation mentioned in the script?

The common targets of language regulation mentioned are the words 'ums,' 'ers,' and 'likes' that often appear in people's speech.

How have ancient and modern perspectives on these speech components differed?

Ancient Greek and Latin texts warned against speaking with hesitation, while modern schools have attempted to ban these terms. Noam Chomsky dismissed them as 'errors,' suggesting they were irrelevant to language.

Why are hesitation phenomena, like 'um' and 'uh,' not considered errors in modern linguistics?

Hesitation phenomena are not considered errors because they serve important functions in communication, such as signaling pauses in thought, helping to organize speech, and aiding in understanding.

How often do hesitation phenomena occur in natural speech?

Hesitation phenomena occur roughly 2 to 3 times per minute in natural speech.

What is the significance of hesitation phenomena in different languages, including sign language?

Hesitation phenomena can be found in almost every language, including sign language, indicating their universal role in human communication.

How can hesitation phenomena, like 'um' and 'uh,' be useful in conversations?

Hesitation phenomena help speakers buy time to catch up with their thoughts or find the right word. They also signal to listeners that important information is coming, improving communication flow.

What do hesitation phenomena reveal about the relationship between speakers and listeners?

Hesitation phenomena reveal a real-time interaction between speakers and listeners, indicating when the speaker is thinking or organizing their thoughts, and they help listeners predict what's coming next.

What is the role of discourse markers, such as 'like' and 'well,' in conversations?

Discourse markers function to guide the flow of conversation, provide additional context or meaning, and help manage the speaker-listener dynamic. For example, 'like' can connect ideas or introduce indirect speech.

How do hesitation phenomena help in language learning, particularly for toddlers and second-language learners?

For toddlers, hesitation phenomena can signal new words or concepts, improving learning. For second-language learners, these pauses help smooth out conversations until they gain more fluency, after which they use hesitation phenomena to signal their growing command of the language.

Are hesitation phenomena ever inappropriate in certain contexts?

Yes, hesitation phenomena are generally inappropriate in formal writing or professional settings where clear and concise communication is expected. However, they are common in casual spoken communication.