Universals and cultural variation in turn-taking in conversation
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences • Vol/Iss. 106(26) • National Academy of Sciences • Washington, D.C • Published In • Pages: 10587-10592 •
By Stivers, Tanya, Enfield, Nicholas J., Brown, Penelope, Englert, Christina, Hayashi, Makoto, Heinemann, Trine, Hoymann, Gertie, Rossano, Federico, De Ruiter, Jan Peter, Yoon, Kyung-Eun, Levinson, Stephen C.
Hypothesis
The same suite of variables will account for a significant amount of variation across cultures in length of transitions during conversational turn-taking (10588).
Note
Increase in length of transition is significantly positively predicted by nonanswer responses (p > 0.001) and information-request responses (p < 0.001) and negatively predicted by confirmation of question (p < 0.001), visible response component (p < 0.001), and presence of questioner's gaze (p < 0.01). Language and conversation source treated as different levels and thus independent of these predictors.
| Test Name | Support | Significance | Coefficient | Tail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed-level multiple regression | Supported | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Variable Name | Variable Type | OCM Term(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Nonanswer Response | Independent | Speech, Conversation |
| Confirmation Response | Independent | Speech, Conversation |
| Information Request Only | Independent | Speech, Conversation |
| Visible Response Component | Independent | Speech, Conversation |
| Mean Length of Response Time | Dependent | Conversation, Speech |