Spoken Language Features

Words and phrases which are used to signal the relationship and connections between utterances
*First, on the other hand, now, what's more, so anyway*

Word or phrase that returns the conversation to a previous topic

Speaker hasn't finished unit of meaning, but someone else starts talking anyway

Attempts to gain the floor
Occur when a speaker pauses at the end of a unit of meaning but hasn't finished

Body language

Speaker begins an utterance, then stops and either repeats or reformulates it

Item which doesn't have meaning but it used to give time to think
*Erm, um, ah*

Imprecise statements
*And so on, or whatever, thingy*

How words are pronounced
Varies according to region/ social class

Meaningless phrases to maintain relationships
*How are you?*
*Hi*
*Have a nice day*

When referring to object/ place, listener has to understand context
*Place THAT over THERE*

One speaker talks at the same time as another speaker
Not always bad (eg. reassurance)

Omission of part of a grammatical structure
*You going shops?*

Reduced form often marked by an apostrophe
*Can't, wouldn't*

Repeating words/ phrases
To allow for time to think OR emphasis

Distinctive grammar and vocab associated with a region/ social group

Alteration suggested by a speaker to correct/clarify a previous statement

Typical and normal characteristics of spoken language that interrupt flow
*Hesitations, false starts, fillers, overlaps*

Words and phrases which soften/ weaken
*Perhaps, maybe, a bit*

Omission or slurring of one or more sounds/ syllables
*Gonna, wassup*

Statement turned into a question
*It's a bit expensive here, ISN'T IT?*

Words, phrases and non-verbal utterances
Give feedback to speaker that message is understood
*I see, oh, uh huh*

Word, phrase or sentence isn't finished
Other people help to supply word/ phrase