Timing short feedback tokens: Evidence from task-oriented dialogues

Hu, Junfei;Degand, Liesbeth;et.al.
(2026) Journal of Pragmatics — (2026)

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Abstract
Short feedback tokens (SFTs) are brief verbal responses like uh-huh (generic) and okay (specific) produced by a dialogue participant while the other retains conversational dominance. We examine the relationship between discourse segment type and SFT production latency in task-oriented English dialogues. Our findings demonstrate that the type of conversational discourse unit (CDU) significantly affects the production latency of both SFT types. Moreover, the point at which the gist of a CDU becomes clear impacts the timing of specific SFT production, not affecting generic SFTs. This is attributed to the closer content association of specific SFTs. Further analysis indicates that earlier clarity of a CDU’s gist correlates with faster production of specific SFTs. Regression analysis confirms this hypothesis but also (to certain extent) suggests that if the gist is revealed too prematurely, this effect is lessened, highlighting that the timing of gist emergence is just one of many factors influencing SFT production
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Hu, J., Degand, L., & et al. (2026). Timing short feedback tokens: Evidence from task-oriented dialogues. Journal of Pragmatics. Submitted. (Original work published 2026)