Features of spoken language

Question 1

Back channelling

Answer 1

Feedback to show the listener agrees or understands eg yeah uh hum, mhm

Question 2

Fillers

Answer 2

A non-verbal sound that acts like a pause, either to signal uncertainty or as breathing space er erm

Question 3

Skip connectors

Answer 3

A word or phrase that returns the conversation to a previous topic eg anyway

Question 4

Hedging

Answer 4

Words and phrases which soften the force something is said Eg perhaps, maybe, sort of

Question 5

Discourse markers

Answer 5

Words or phrases to signal connections between utterances to signpost what is being said so it can be followed Eg on the other hand, so anyway

Question 6

False starts

Answer 6

When a speaker begins to speak, stops and then starts again Eg well i was(.) well i was going to the shops

Question 7

Repairs

Answer 7

When a speaker corrects some aspect of what they have said – the error might be a grammatical one or an incorrect word, accidentally or inappropriately Eg We was (.) We were going out
I really want them to lose (.) I mean win

Question 8

Vague expressions

Answer 8

Statements that sound imprecise and unassertive Eg and so on, whatever, whatsit

Question 9

Elision

Answer 9

Omission or slurring of one or more sounds or syllables Eg going to = gonna

Question 10

Phatic talk

Answer 10

Utterances what have no concrete purpose other than to establish or maintain relationships. Like small talk, formulaic in nature Eg how are you? Fine

Question 11

Tag questions

Answer 11

Words added to statements to turn them into a question