Science Friday
How Interjections Regulate Conversation | Saccharin For Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Apr 15, 2025
Bob Holmes, a science journalist, uncovers the surprising significance of interjections like 'um' and 'huh' in conversation, revealing how they regulate dialogue and foster understanding. Meanwhile, Ronan McCarthy, a biomedical sciences professor, shares groundbreaking research on saccharin, showing its potential to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by disrupting their membranes. Together, they discuss how these seemingly trivial elements can have profound implications for communication and health.
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Quick takeaways
- Interjections are essential in conversations, functioning as traffic signals that facilitate flow and mutual understanding between speakers.
- Recent studies indicate that saccharin can effectively combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it a promising candidate for innovative wound treatments.
Deep dives
The Essential Role of Interjections
Interjections, often dismissed as mere fillers in speech, play a crucial role in communication by facilitating the flow of conversation. They serve as 'traffic signals' that guide speakers on when to continue or pause, enhancing storytelling and ensuring clarity. Studies show that when listeners fail to use interjections like 'uh-huh' or 'yeah' during discussions, speakers struggle to articulate their stories effectively, leading to awkward pauses and disjointed narratives. Furthermore, interjections aid in establishing common ground between speakers, helping them understand each other’s knowledge and intentions.
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