Speech Fillers: Their Definition and Communicative Functions

Abstract

Speech fillers represent linguistic units, that take the form of Relatively short forms, concise expressions used by the speaker during verbal communication for the purpose of segmenting the speech especially in the case of emotional charge and the suspension of the verbal act. The purpose behind using speech fillers is expressive and communicative. The speaker, thus, ensures long-windedness, the continuation of communication along with proper delivery of the semiotic context of the linguistic message. Studies have neglected to address and treat these units. Through this article, we have tried to expose the related definitions given to « speech fillers » and how they were treated in classical and modern criticism, using a descriptive and analytical approach. We conclude that these expressions are used at times of emotion to segment speech and ensure the chronological sequence of thoughts. We have also shown that speech fillers connect discourse parts and grant its proper sequence, homogeneity and expressiveness.