This paper presents findings from an experimental interview study exploring the usage of German hesitation markers by native speakers aged nineteen to thirty-one. With limited research on this topic, the study investigates factors influencing hesitation marker frequency, including gender, topic type (casual vs. non-casual), and speaker familiarity. Twenty-nine participants were interviewed on various prepared questions, followed by an online perception study assessing how hesitation markers influence perceived masculinity and potential professions.
Results indicate that males tend to use hesitation markers, such as "ähm," "öhm," "äh," and "öh," more frequently. Additionally, hesitation marker distribution is slightly higher for casual topics and when interacting with well-known friends. Pauses occur more with male speakers, non-casual topics, and distant speaker-interviewer proximity. Lengthened vowels, another hesitation marker, are more common among males, for casual topics, and with distant proximity.
The perception study supports the notion that the use of hesitation markers is perceived as less masculine. Ambiguities in the findings underscore the complexity of this linguistic phenomenon. This paper offers valuable insights into German hesitation markers, shedding light on their nuanced usage and the influence of gender, topic, and speaker familiarity. Readers intrigued by language and sociolinguistics will find this study a compelling exploration of communication patterns among German native speakers.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Methodology and Data
- 2.1 Participants
- 2.2 Procedure
- 2.3 Measures
- 2.3.1 Profile
- 2.3.2 Interviews
- 2.3.3 Transcription
- 2.3.4 Statistics
- 2.3.5 Perception Study
- 3 Analysis of Results
- 3.1 Hesitation Markers
- 3.2 Pauses and Lengthened Vowels
- 3.3 Correlation between Hesitation Markers and Lengthened Vowels
- 3.4 Perception Study
- 4 Discussion
- 4.1 Further Hesitation Markers
- 4.2 Perception Study
- 4.3 Ideas for Further Investigation
- 4.4 Critique
- 5 Conclusion
- 6 Works Cited
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study investigates the use of hesitation markers in German, focusing on how their frequency is influenced by various factors such as gender, topic, and social proximity. It aims to shed light on the usage and perception of these markers in spoken German, particularly in interview settings.
- Hesitation marker usage in German
- Influence of gender on hesitation marker frequency
- Impact of topic on hesitation marker distribution
- Social proximity's effect on hesitation marker usage
- Perception of hesitation markers and their association with masculinity
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the diverse perspectives on hesitation markers in the field of linguistics, highlighting the debate around their categorization and function. It introduces the four primary German hesitation markers (ähm, äh, öh, öhm) and their relation to discourse particles and pragmatic function.
- Methodology and Data: This chapter outlines the study's design and methodology, including details about the participants, interview procedure, and the various measures used for data collection and analysis. It describes the transcription process, statistical methods employed, and the perception study conducted to assess the perception of hesitation markers.
- Analysis of Results: This chapter presents the findings of the study, focusing on the frequency of hesitation markers, pauses, and lengthened vowels. It analyzes the correlation between these markers and factors such as gender, topic, and social proximity. This chapter also discusses the results of the perception study regarding the association of hesitation markers with masculinity.
- Discussion: This chapter delves into the implications of the research findings, exploring potential explanations for the observed patterns in hesitation marker usage and perception. It discusses future research directions and limitations of the study.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Hesitation markers, German, sociolinguistics, gender, interview study, perception study, discourse particles, pragmatic function, masculinity, social proximity, topic, pauses, lengthened vowels.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Kim-Cheyenne Greiner (Autor:in), 2015, The Use of German Hesitation Markers in Interviews, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1440778
