On the recipients’ part: Responding with m/mm (and nods) in Greek conversations

Abstract

This paper examines the functions of the response particle m/mm, a cover term for the various realizations of the bilabial [m], in Greek conversations from a CA perspective. We focus on one sequential position (second) and examine its phonetic/prosodic manifestations. We furthermore look into some multimodal aspects in the use of m/mm, more specifically, its co-occurrence with nods. Οur analysis establishes (a) the preferential relationship between the prosodically unmarked variants of the free-standing monosyllabic form with falling intonation and the actions of receipting information after a volunteered informing, agreeing with an assessment, responding affirmatively to a polar interrogative; (b) the binding relationship between the free-standing bisyllabic form with higher pitch and stress on the first syllable, a glottal stop between the syllables, plus falling intonation contour, and disaffirmation. Moreover, it is shown that the functional division of labor associated with the design of the vocal tokens is also reflected in the type of nod that goes with them. It is suggested that the vocal and the kinesic items be regarded as part and parcel of a single multimodal unit in the service of (minimal) alignment and, under certain conditions, of heightened interactional involvement.