“Are language fillers actually used to convey information and does it really make it easier for people to understand a sentence where language fillers are used?” Is the question that I would like to answer about the script that I analysed which was of my own speech. “Ahhh” was a language filler used. I would like to know if indeed these language fillers help with communication and do convey a piece of information. In my essay, I will be talking about how readers/ listeners are able to understand speech better when language filters are used. The information that the filler brings forward and how different types of fillers are used to show this information.
A language filler word is an apparently meaningless word that marks a pause or hesitation in speech(according to many parents, teachers…). Some examples of commonly used fillers in English are um, uh, er, ah, like, okay, right, and you know. In fact, these words are not actually as so-called “meaningless”. Although yes, it shows hesitation is speech it helps the listener to understand that the speaker is mentally blocked that is why they are finding it hard to speak as the word they are looking for hasn’t come to mind. I feel like this happens to many people and I sure know that it happens to me. People often tell me and others I know off for using these language fillers as they are not considered formal speech but instead annoying.
Recent Comments