hedging

What Are Linguistic ‘Hedge’ Words?

Words like "maybe," "sort of," and "I think" do more than just express uncertainty. They are powerful linguistic tools known…

3 weeks ago

The Power of “Um”: Decoding Filler Words

Often dismissed as verbal stumbles, filler words like "um," "like," or "pues" are far more than just speech errors. They…

3 weeks ago

The Calculus of Politeness

Ever wonder why we say "Could you possibly pass the salt?" instead of just "Pass the salt"? This isn't just…

3 weeks ago

Saving Face: The Intricate Linguistic Dance of Politeness in East Asian Cultures

The concept of "face" (面子, 체면, メンツ) is a cornerstone of social interaction in East Asia, deeply encoded in language.…

3 weeks ago

The ELIZA Effect: Why We Talk to Chatbots Like They’re Human

Have you ever found yourself saying "please" and "thank you" to a chatbot or voice assistant? This is the ELIZA…

3 weeks ago

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