Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main topic of discussion in the provided text?
What is the main topic of discussion in the provided text?
When did the word 'like' become a common filler word in American English, according to John McWhorter?
When did the word 'like' become a common filler word in American English, according to John McWhorter?
What is one argument in favor of using filler words, according to some teenagers?
What is one argument in favor of using filler words, according to some teenagers?
What is one difference between the use of filler words in the past and present, according to some teenagers?
What is one difference between the use of filler words in the past and present, according to some teenagers?
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What was done to the student comments before they were published?
What was done to the student comments before they were published?
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What is one of the purposes of using filler words in conversations?
What is one of the purposes of using filler words in conversations?
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How did English speakers used to deliver their speech in the past?
How did English speakers used to deliver their speech in the past?
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What is one potential downside of using filler words, according to one of the students?
What is one potential downside of using filler words, according to one of the students?
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Why does one of the students believe that using filler words is important in conversations?
Why does one of the students believe that using filler words is important in conversations?
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What is one possible reason why English speakers use filler words, according to the text?
What is one possible reason why English speakers use filler words, according to the text?
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Study Notes
Filler Words in Communication
- Filler words, such as "like," "um," and "you know," are commonly used in conversations, but there is debate over whether they improve or hinder communication.
- Historically, people used to pause between thoughts before the widespread use of filler words in the late 1970s.
Defending Filler Words
- Some teenagers argue that filler words serve as a tool to communicate that someone is not done speaking their thoughts, giving them time to think without being interrupted.
- Filler words can make conversations less awkward and help with the flow of conversation.
- They can also convey that someone is struggling to describe what they mean, making it easier for the listener to understand.
Negative Views on Filler Words
- Some believe that using fewer filler words makes someone sound better as a speaker.
- Excessive use of filler words can become annoying to the speaker and the listener.
Evolution of Filler Words
- English speakers have evolved to use filler words to soften the delivery of their speech, making it sound more fluid and less jerky.
- In the past, English speakers often paused between words, whereas now filler words are used to increase fluidity and decrease dramatic effect.
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Description
Do filler words like 'like', 'um', and 'you know' improve or hinder communication? Students share their thoughts on the evolution of filler words and their use in everyday conversation.
