Instructions
Many native English speakers make wordless (non-verbal) sounds and use stand-by phrases to fill pauses in their speech. Common examples of sounds, words and phrases used to fill gaps in speech include:
Right...like...you know...actually...I mean...kind of... um... basically...in a manner of speaking...just...if you don't mind me saying...uh...really...I suppose...if truth be told...without a doubt...or something...in actual fact...well...yeah...errr...of course...so if you know what I mean...and stuff...
Listen to and identify the non-verbal (wordless) examples that you hear.
Recording:
“Right...like...you know...actually...I mean...kind of... um... basically...in a manner of speaking...just...if you don't mind me saying...uh...really...I suppose...if truth be told...without a doubt...or something...in actual fact...well...yeah...err...of course...so if you know what I mean...and stuff...”
The remaining (verbal) examples appear to have some meaning as they contain real words, but because they are inserted into the speech repeatedly and are relatively unconnected to the rest of the sentence, they play a specific gap-filling role.
Instructions
Listen to and read the following short conversation and identify the gap-filling sounds and words from the list above. Then read the conversation aloud and record it so that you can compare your version to the original.
A: "Hey, that's, like, a really, really, beautiful dress, yeah?"
B: “Oh, err, thanks. I don’t, you know, I don’t often get compliments about my clothes.”
A: “That’s kind of difficult to believe, if you know what I mean”
B: “Well, basically, I buy my clothes and stuff mostly from the charity shops in town, I suppose.”
A: “Oh! Right. Well, there you go.
Instructions
Listen to and read the following explanation of the benefits and disadvantages of using fillers, then complete the table below.
Recording:
“In English "um", "err", and “ah” are some of the easiest sounds to make. It may be that they can be said without a great deal of thought too. Sounds such as these are often looked down on as sloppy or meaningless. Many people assume that fillers are a sign of uncertainty, stupidity or weakness, but fillers do fulfill important linguistic functions. They give you an extra split second to decide what to say next, for example. Using fillers is an extremely useful conversation strategy since it helps you keep speaking, rather than leaving a pause where someone else could take over. They can also give listeners time to process the information being spoken. What is more, recent research has shown that the occasional “um” can increase the listener’s memory for the word that comes after “um”. Apparently, it can also be harder to follow conversations when fillers aren’t used.
We may not consciously realize it but, in a two-person conversation, people take turns to speak. When someone believes it is their turn to talk, they do so. Naturally there are short periods of silence as one person pauses to let the other start speaking. However, speakers don’t always want to give up their turns and instead wants little extra time to think about what they’re going to say next. They use a “filler” to signal this, so that their conversation partner has little opportunity to take the speaker’s role.”
Reprinted with permission from:
The Register (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/05/06/the_odd_body_language_fillers/)
The Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/you-know-um-id-kind-of-like-to-talk-about-filler-words-8641211.html)
ANSWERS:
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| some of the easiest sounds to make | they can be said without a great deal of thought too |
| give you an extra split second to decide what to say next | looked down on as sloppy or meaningless … a sign of uncertainty, stupidity or weakness, |
| helps you keep speaking, rather than leaving a pause where someone else could take over | |
| They can also give listeners time to process the information being spoken | |
| can increase the listener’s memory for the word that comes after “um”. | |
| harder to follow conversations when fillers aren’t used. |
Clearly there are benefits and disadvantages to using fillers. It is important that you realize the impact that your speech and any fillers you might use have on a conversation
Instructions
Record a conversation you have with someone. Listen to the recording to identify the fillers you use. Identify the impact that the fillers have in each recorded conversation.
| The Actual Filler You Used In The Conversation | Your Use of Fillers Suggested A Lack Of Suitable Vocabulary | Your Use of Fillers Maintained Your Turn as Speaker | Your Use of Fillers Lost You Your Turn as Speaker | Your Fillers Did Not Prevent Your Partner Replying Appropriately |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: “Err” | No | Yes | No | True |