Collected Speech Terms

Question 0

Implicature

Answer 0

When we understand why one of Grice’s Maxims has been flouted.

Question 1

Hedges

Answer 1

Any device used by a speaker to reduce the impact of an utterance. Eg. “I am not sure BUT…” or “That is RATHER poor.”

Question 2

Indirect Speech Act

Answer 2

The substitution of one speech act for another in order to convey the subtext.

Question 3

Kinesics

Answer 3

The physical movements, facial expressions and gesticulations that accompany speech.

Question 4

Non-fluency Features

Answer 4

Characteristics of spontaneous speech. Eg. Hesitations, unintended prepositions, false starts and fillers.

Question 5

Paralinguistic Features

Answer 5

Accompanying features of speech which also convey meaning, such as tone of voice, emphasis and intonation.

Question 6

Phatic Speech

Answer 6

Language we use to enable social contact rather than convey a literal meaning, such as “It’s a nice day today” or “How are you?”.

Question 7

Politeness

Answer 7

The first principle of conversation. The reason why Grice’s Maxims are flouted.

Question 8

Tag Questions

Answer 8

A short question attached to the end of an utterance, seeking some sort of feedback. Eg. “It’s a lovely day isn’t it”.

Question 9

Turn Taking

Answer 9

The way in which speakers regulate their contributions to a conversation.

Question 10

Topic Marker (Representative Utterance)

Answer 10

Utterances that introduce new topics/area of focus to conversation. They can be statements or questions.

Question 11

Utterance

Answer 11

A unit of meaning in conversation.