Examines some characteristics of "Mm," in particular its variants, as a weak acknowledging token, a continuer, and a weak assessment within the Australian context. Findings indicate that the most common "Mm" is best characterized as an acknowledging object used to mark unproblematic receipt of the immediately prior talk and no…

Studies intercultural communication in a Buddhist monastic university in India. Oral communication involves an ensemble of speakers and hearers; an interpersonal relationship that underlies the motivation and effort among speakers and hearers is required for true dialog. Understanding meanings is sometimes subordinate to interactional…

Investigates the social background of oldcomer Taiwanese in Japan while examining their language behavior in intraethnic communication and in interethnic interaction with Japanese. Analysis of two conversations reveals that many Asians seek to pass as Japanese, a behavior contributing to the reproduction of the existing social hierarchy of…