SILGLOBALGlossary of
Linguistic Terms

Glossary term D

Delay

Definition

A delay is an item used to put off a dispreferred second part.

Examples

(English)

The following exchange contains delays as a repair initiation in the second turn, insertion sequences in the fourth and fifth turns, and the well, pause, and self-repair in the sixth turn:

  • A: Can you do it?
  • B: What?
  • A: Can you take care of it?
  • B: Now?
  • A: If that’s all right.
  • B: Well, [pause] I mean, no, I’m afraid not.

    • Kinds

    More specific concepts within delay.

    Insertion Sequence Preface

    See also

    Dispreferred Second Part Turn

    Sources 1

    1. Levinson 1983, 334–335
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