The Characterization of the Minimal Vocalizations of UN, HU::N, and SO -Successful Communication Strategies by Japanese Speakers of English

Abstract

This study presents a characterization of the minimal vocalizations 'UN,' 'HU::N,' and 'SO,' which frequently occur in Japanese conversation and are often interpreted as back channels or listener responses meaning 'yes,' 'hmmm,' and 'uh-huh,' respectively. We have found that 'UN,' 'HU::N,' and 'SO' occur in our two sets of data of a female Japanese speaker conversing in English with a native speaker of English (NSE). In addition, many of these expressions systematically occur as speaker 'pre-and post-TCU (Turn Construction Unit) vocalizations.' In this study, we focus on these three brief expressions occurring as pre-and post-TCU vocalizations used by the native speakers of Japanese (NSJs), and attempt to characterize the multi-functional features which seem to play a strategic role in the interaction with native speakers of English (NSEs).