Listener Responses in Interaction : A Case for Abandoning the Term, Backchannel

Abstract

In the review of research on listener behavior in conversation (including such responses as, Uh huh, Yeah, Mm), the most common term used is backchannel. However, this term is highly problematic. This paper focuses on the problem of terminology, the difficulties of delineating the functions of listener responses, the hazards of transcription, and the pitfalls of transferring research directly from one language and culture to another without taking into account qualitative differences. The article also refers to research on listener behavior that has helped raise the awareness of the importance and complexity of listener phenomena. The paper makes a strong case for abandoning the term backchannel and using a more general term like listener response, listener token or reactive token.