Between the Lines: Gender-Specific Types and Communicative Multi-Functions of Speech Fillers in Day-to-Day Interaction

Abstract

This study investigates the multifunctional use of pauses in the sitcom “Friends”, with a particular focus on lexical and non-lexical pauses, as well as the less-examined category of false repairs. It examines how male and female characters strategically employ these pauses as communicative tools, revealing nuanced patterns in their discourse. The analysis identifies a spectrum of pause functions, some of which have been extensively studied, while others remain underexplored. Gender-based distinctions emerge as a central theme, with female characters exhibiting a higher propensity for pauses related to cognitive processing, speech planning, and turn-holding, indicative of a more reflective and deliberative communicative style. Furthermore, pauses serve as mechanisms for emotional expression and discourse segmentation, reinforcing the notion that female speech often prioritizes precision, cooperation, and audience engagement. In contrast, male characters demonstrate a comparatively lower reliance on pauses for these functions, reflecting a preference for direct and assertive speech patterns. These findings align with existing sociolinguistic theories on gendered discourse, particularly those emphasizing women's heightened sensitivity to conversational dynamics and social expectations. By examining these structures within everyday interactions in scripted dialogue, this study provides valuable insights into the intersection of language, cognition, and gender, illustrating how linguistic choices in fictional media both reflect and perpetuate broader communicative norms (Stenström, 1994; Clark & Fox Tree, 2002).