المجلة الدولية لنشر البحوث والدراسات

International Journal of Research and Studies Publishing

المجلة الدولية لنشر البحوث والدراسات
القائمة الرئيسية

The Pragmatic Role of Hedging and Back-channelling in British TV Shows

By: Zahraa Jabaar Kadhim (1), Asst. Inst. Karrar Talib Abed (2)

Bachelor of English, Faculty of Arts, Imam Jaafar Al-Sadiq University, Iraq (1)
Master of Applied Linguistics, Faculty of Education, Imam Jaafar Al-Sadiq University, Iraq (2)


Abstract:

This study examines the functional functions of linguistic devices like backchannels and hedges in British talk shows across time periods. Hedges like "maybe," "sort of," and "I think" support politeness, soften statements, and express ambiguity. On the other hand, backchannels like "yes," "oh," and "right" support speakers, keep the conversation moving, and show how the audience is responding. This study uses qualitative discourse analysis to investigate how men and women use these linguistic devices in talk shows on television over a range of decades. The data for this research were collected from interviews in British TV programs according to specific criteria to ensure that they represent the social and cultural diversity in British society. The episodes collected are ten episodes from well-known and popular British programs. Most of the episodes are dialogues with multiple guests from different backgrounds, which allows for a more comprehensive analysis of the conversation. The results show a notable rise in the usage of backchannels and hedges over time, underscoring shifts in audience engagement strategies and conversational dynamics. This study emphasizes how these gadgets have changed over the last ten years and how they affect media communication. along with their importance in fostering interactive conversations between the sexes. Hedging and backstreet communication are also essential for conversational communication in television programs, especially British ones, as they help to soften facial expressions, improve interaction, reduce the intensity of tense situations, and facilitate the exchange of roles between speakers.


Keywords:

Media communication, TV series, backchannels, hedges, and pragmatism

DOI

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About the Authors

Bachelor of English, Faculty of Arts, Imam Jaafar Al-Sadiq University, Iraq (1)
Master of Applied Linguistics, Faculty of Education, Imam Jaafar Al-Sadiq University, Iraq (2)

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