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The significance of pauses in spontaneous speech

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Abstract

Studies of filled and silent pauses performed in the last two decades are reviewed in order to determine the significance of pauses for the speaker. Following a brief history, the theoretical implications of pause location are examined and the relevant studies summarized. In addition, the functional significance of pauses is considered in terms of cognitive, affective-state, and social interaction variables.

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Rochester, S.R. The significance of pauses in spontaneous speech. J Psycholinguist Res 2, 51–81 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01067111

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