We explore different forms and functions of one of the most common feedback expressions in Dutch, English, and German, namely “yeah/ja” which is known for its multi-functionality and ambiguous usage in dialog. For example, it can be used as a yes-answer, or as a pure continuer, or as a way to show agreement. In addition, “yeah/ja” can be used in its single form, but it can also be combined with other particles, forming multi-word expressions, especially in Dutch and German. We have found substantial differences on the morpho-lexical level between the three related languages which enhances the ambiguous character of “yeah/ja”. An explorative analysis of the prosodic features of “yeah/ja” has shown that mainly a higher intensity is used to signal speaker incipiency across the inspected languages.
Index Terms: feedback, yeah, ja, dialog act, prosody, crosslinguistic, speaker incipiency
Cite as: Trouvain, J., Truong, K.P. (2012) Acoustic, morphological, and functional aspects of “yeah/ja” in Dutch, English and German. Proc. Interdisciplinary Workshop on Feedback Behaviors in Dialog, 77-80
@inproceedings{trouvain12_fbid,
author={Jürgen Trouvain and Khiet P. Truong},
title={{Acoustic, morphological, and functional aspects of “yeah/ja” in Dutch, English and German}},
year=2012,
booktitle={Proc. Interdisciplinary Workshop on Feedback Behaviors in Dialog},
pages={77--80}
}