Requests For Confirmation Research Articles

Request for confirmation sequences in Mandarin Chinese

Abstract As a social action, requesting confirmation involves presenting a proposition to be (dis)confirmed and seeking another’s (dis)confirmation of the proposition. This article provides an overview of the lexico-syntactic and prosodic resources used by participants to perform requests for confirmation (RfCs) and to respond to RfCs in Mandarin face-to-face interactions. Drawing on statistical results of the frequencies of a variety of linguistic resources in RfC sequences, this study shows that declaratives are the most frequently used syntactic forms for RfCs in the Mandarin data. Tags, such as shiba ‘right?’, are also frequently used by the speaker to seek (dis)confirmation from the recipient. The RfCs in the data also exhibit one prominent prosodic pattern. That is, a larger number of RfC turns in Mandarin end with falling pitch movement with very moderate slope from mid (M) to low (L). This prosodic pattern stems from the interplay between tones and intonation in Mandarin. In the responses to RfCs, a majority of them are confirmations. Also, response tokens, such as dui ‘right’ and en ‘en’ with falling intonation, are used highly frequently in responses to RfCs in the Mandarin data. Findings in this study afford cross-linguistic research on RfC sequences.

특허침해소송이 제기된 이후 소극적 권리범위확인심판 청구를 제한할 필요성에 관한 소고

Given the intent and practical utility of the patent right scope confirmation system, the necessity to maintain this system should be acknowledged. However, it is questionable whether the interests of confirming the scope in cases where infringement lawsuits have already been filed, leaving only the main judgment, or even after a final judgment has been rendered, should be acknowledged. In such cases, there may be opportunities for parties to exploit the patent scope confirmation trial to delay disputes. In practice and the Supreme Court, except for exceptional cases such as seeking confirmation of the scope concerning patents that have expired or are not being implemented by the parties, the interests of confirming the scope of patent in trials and lawsuit are recognized. However, considering the legal nature, effectiveness, and relationship with related infringement lawsuits under patent law, it should not be overlooked that in some cases, it may be more efficient to restrict this process. Excessive requests for patent scope confirmation trials can burden parties with excessive time or costs and result in unnecessary waste in the national litigation system. Rather than generally recognizing the interests of confirmation based on the necessity or independence of the system, it is necessary to assess the interests of confirmation from the perspective of whether it is an effective and appropriate means for resolving specific disputes. While acknowledging the intent and function of the patent scope confirmation system, it is necessary to limit requests for confirmation of the scope by assessing ‘the presence or absence of interests of confirmation’. For instance, when a related infringement lawsuit has already been filed and has progressed to the point of hearings, there is no need to recognize the interests of negative patent scope confirmation, which would impose dual litigation burdens and delay on the parties and waste the court's time and resources on ineffective disputes. Furthermore, when patent scope confirmation and related infringement lawsuits run concurrently, each procedure is independent and not binding, which can lead to conflicting conclusions and undermine confidence in the patent system and the judicial system. Moreover, with the 2016 amendment to the Civil Procedure Act, where appeals of nullification lawsuits and infringement lawsuits are under the jurisdiction of the Patent Court, and both procedures are simultaneously litigated, the situation has become less prone to inconsistency or undermining. Therefore, recognizing ‘the interests of patent scope confirmation’, even in cases like the one mentioned, should be limited, and a restrictive interpretation should be applied.

Doing More than Confirming: Expanded Responses to Requests for Confirmation in German Talk-in-Interaction

Abstract While requests for confirmation (RfCs) make a yes/no-response relevant, recipients often produce more than a mere confirmation. Our paper explores expanded responses to RfCs in German talk-in-interaction. We focus on responses consisting of a confirmation and an additional TCU/action. Drawing on video data from mundane and institutional settings, we demonstrate how expanded responses are designed and fit the sequential environments in which they occur. We show four different functions fulfilled with expanded responses: (i) specifying and elaborating on the topic introduced in the RfC, (ii) accounting for the intelligibility of the speaker’s prior actions, (iii) resisting the terms of the RfC, and (iv) challenging a RfC by referring to the recipient’s pre-existing knowledge. Finally, we summarize interactional features relevant for the occurrence of expanded responses in our data. In addition, we discuss the implications of our results for future cross-linguistic research.

Enabling Elaboration and Offering Candidate Understandings. Finnish Turn-Final vai ‘or’ in Requests for Confirmation

Abstract Like many other languages, in Finnish the alternative conjunction vai (‘or’) can be used in a turn-final position without the presence of an (explicit) alternative. This article discusses the contribution of turn-final vai ‘or’ in requests for confirmation. It argues that there are two main contexts of use. The forward-looking vai-turn seeks confirmation for something that is not based on the previous talk. In this case, vai marks the content of the question as merely one possible alternative. In backward-looking use, the vai-turn offers an interpretation of something that was implied in the previous talk and typically contrasts with a previously held, alternative assumption. The former type enables a (dis)confirmation with elaboration, whereas the latter type makes relevant a (dis)confirmation with minimal specification/explanation. The study contributes to the cross-linguistic research on turn-final particles and specifically, the particle ‘or’.

Less than Confirming, and Doing More than That: Comparing Responses to Requests for Confirmation in German and Yurakaré

Abstract In this paper, we compare practices of formulating responses to requests for confirmation oriented toward confirmation but doing less or more than that in German and Yurakaré (isolate, Bolivia). The German particle joa is identified as a versatile resource for navigating the functional spectrum of such responses, being deployed for less than confirming in terms of epistemic or propositional downgrading, and for more than confirming in terms of addressing terms of questions or a confirmable’s valence. When exercising these specific tasks, speakers of Yurakaré, in contrast, rely mostly on repetitional strategies, while a highly specialised particle constitutes an ‘escape strategy’ when a repeat would convey unwanted implications. We propose that doing less and more than confirming is contingent on a more fundamental distinction: a preference for particles (German) vs. repeats (Yurakaré) in the realm of plain confirmation, which carries over to responses doing less and more than confirming.

Affordances and Actions: Requests for Confirmation as Devices for Implementing Challenging and Other Disagreement- Implicative Actions

Abstract This article examines how requests for confirmation (RfCs) can be used as devices for challenging or disagreeing with another participant, their talk, or their action(s) in informal interaction. Based on their defining pragmatic characteristics, we identify two generic interactional affordances RfCs offer their speakers: (1) a capacity to do questioning and (2) a capacity to forward propositional content. While these two affordances are generally utilized together, one or the other may be mobilized more strongly when bringing off challenging or disagreement-implicative actions. Drawing on interactional data in (Peninsular) Spanish and (American) English, and using conversation analytic methods, we illustrate how participants may differentially draw on these two basic affordances with respect to two major classes of “challengeables”: (1) a co-participant’s claims and assertions (or the stances with which they are delivered), and (2) a co-participant’s plans or decisions. We end with a discussion of the usefulness of an affordance-based approach.

Newsmarks as an Interactional Resource for Indexing Remarkability: a Qualitative Analysis of Arabic waḷḷāhi and English really

Abstract This paper presents a study of Arabic waḷḷāhi (lit. ‘by God’) and English really when they are used interactionally as newsmarks. The literature has claimed that the role of newsmarks in conversation is to treat prior talk as news, to open up a slot for further talk, to express doubt or disbelief, and to implement requests for confirmation. A close analysis of waḷḷāhi and really shows that they do not necessarily follow the patterns described by previous research. Instead, the data suggest that newsmarks primarily contribute to the construction of prior talk as remarkable, that is, tellable and noteworthy; and that some previously described functions are epiphenomenal of this more basic property. The data are recordings of naturally occurring everyday conversations in British English and Egyptian Arabic, with English translations.

Negatively-Formatted Requests for Confirmation in Korean Conversation: Three Types of Verbal Negation as Interactional Resources

Abstract From a conversation-analytic perspective, this article analyzes three types of verbal negation in Korean, which shape requests for confirmation (RfCs) into distinctive interactional resources. The pre-verbal negation (an) RfC emerges in the context where the recipient is prompted to see the “fittedness” of its confirmable as referencing an “allusive” aspect of his/her situated domain, inferentially formulated by the questioner as a “negative event.” The post-verbal negation (ci anh) renders the RfC a vehicle for making mitigated assertions, seeking the recipient’s agreement in acquiescence to the questioner’s “problematizing” stance. The use of post-nominalization negation (nun-ke ani) RfC exhibits the questioner’s “conjecturing” stance, displaying norm-based deontic orientations treating the noted event at hand as deviant or counter-expectational. The target of the confirmable is formulated an “entity” assessable by the recipient as an externally-positioned co-member/evaluator. Cross-linguistic implications of the findings are discussed, in relation to English tag questions and negative interrogatives.

Functional Diversification and Progressive Routinization of a Multiword Expression in and for Social Interaction: A Longitudinal L2 Study

AbstractIn this article, we bring together conversation analysis and usage‐based linguistics to investigate the second language (L2) developmental trajectory of a linguistic construction within the complex multimodal ecology of naturally occurring social interaction. We document how, over the course of 15 months, an L2 speaker's use of the French multiword expression comment on dit [how do you say] diversifies in both form and function. Two types of longitudinal change are observed: (a) The expression expands in its context of use: “Literal” uses are observed initially to request a candidate lexical item but are later also found in requests for confirmation, (b) these literal uses become proportionally less frequent, and the expression progressively routinizes as a marker‐like element used for indexing cognitive search and floor‐holding, and eventually also as a preface to self‐correction. This routinization entails erosion in form and meaning, in concert with systematic change in co‐occurring bodily‐visual conduct, in particular gaze and gesture. By documenting change over time in the functional use and the multimodal delivery of the target construction, the findings evidence the longitudinal development of L2 grammar‐for‐interaction and showcase how linguistic and bodily resources may interface in L2 development. They also have important implications for language teaching and learning.

Facilitators’ use of a communication device following children’s aided turns in everyday interaction

This conversation analysis study investigates facilitators’ simultaneous use of speech and aided means in instructional interaction with children with complex communication needs (CCN), who use aided communication in an everyday setting. The participants were children with severe speech impairments and their everyday communication partners. The analysis focused on facilitators’ aided turns immediately following aided turns by the children, within so-called retro-sequences. Retro-sequences were found in interactions involving four out of nine children. The facilitators systematically combined a spoken turn with an aided turn, a speaking and pointing (SAP) practice. The pointing consisted of a single graphical word, mostly a noun. The multimodal practice generally highlighted, emphasized, or exposed graphical words that increased noticeability and understandability within the local context. Adult repeats were treated as requests for confirmation of a candidate understanding and were responded to by the child using vocal and embodied resources. Reformulations (recasts) were treated as profferings of candidate understandings and were responded to using the communication device. The findings indicate that the partner’s use of a spoken and aided follow-up action shaped the immediate context for device use. The findings are relevant for the design of naturalistic interventions and may be used to improve treatment descriptions in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions.

DIRECTIVE FUNCTIONS IN DRAMA “DEATH OF A SALESMAN” (A Discourse Analysis)

This research aimed at describing the language function especially the directive function used in drama “Death of a Salesman” which focused on act one. This was a descriptive research by using qualitative approach. Method used in this research was library research. The sample of this research was 47 utterances taken from nine scenes (scene 1-9. The writer collected data by using note taking technique. In analyzing data, the writer used descriptive method with following steps : reading the drama, choosing the sentences or utterances which had directive function in it and marked it, classifing the different kinds of directive function, identifying or analyzing the micro function of utterances and concluding the intention or message of drama. The result of this research indicates that there are three kinds of directive function; they are orders, requests, and pleas. Utterances which function as requests then can be subdivided into six groups; they are requests for action, requests for sympathy, requests for information, requests for confirmation, requests for clarification and requests for help. In the chosen utterances there are two utterances (4,3%) which function as order, 35 utterance (74,4%) which function as request and ten utterance (21,3%) which function as plea. The situation of speakers or hearer and the way they utter the utterances can affect the interpretation of utterances.

Estonian declarative questions: Their usage and comparison with vä- and jah-questions

Our article aims to contribute to our understandings about using different polar question formats in everyday Estonian interaction. The article compares the division of labour between three “knowing” stance question formats: declarative questions (DQ) and tag questions formulated by vä and jah. The research is based on language in its natural environment, thus illustrating how grammar is affected by the interaction. The data (303 questions) come from the Corpus of Spoken Estonian of the University of Tartu. Most of DQs are B-event statements but they are also used in the case when the speaker has forgotten the information which (s)he should have access to. DQs are used for requests for confirmation, other-repair initiations, and also initiations of the pre-second insert expansion. Some DQs contain inference markers and particles and adverbs which indicate different degree of certainty. We argue that in addition to the epistemic status of interactants, the previous context is crucial to for treating the declarative as a question. As a result, we propose a three-dimensional framework for declaratives, jah and vä questions. We show that questions differ in three scales: certainty – uncertainty, neutrality – affectivity and expectations for confirmation – non-confirmation as response. In all three scales, declarative questions are in between tag questions. If the questions occur in the same circumstances and implement the same social action, then declarative question is pragmatically unmarked format of the “knowing” stance questions.

Application of the blockchain technology for digital diplomas: problems and prospects

The purpose of this studyis to analyze possible problems in issuing digital diplomas, using the blockchain technology, and to promote solving these problems as well as to show the possibility of practical implementation of the blockchain technology, using a test example. Materials and methods.The study included a review of bibliographic sources on the use of blockchain technologies in the education system, as well as computer modeling of the task of registering and verifying a digital diploma in the blockchain.Results.In the course of the work, a model of the process of issuing and verifying digital diplomas was built, and a number of problems related to the practical implementation of this model were also considered.At the same time, the following groups of problems that restrain the spread of blockchain in the education sector of the Russian Federation were identified: technical and technological problems (lack of a national blockchain platform); legal issues (lack of legal force of digital diplomas); organizational problems (lack of a centralized management structure that coordinates the “educational” blockchain as a single digital information space).An example was also realized, showing the hardware and technological capabilities of the implementation of the task under consideration using the currently open (freely available) platforms. To implement the proposed test case, the Ethereum blockchain network was used, in particular, its RinkeBy test network.The project implementation consisted of the following stages: creating a digital diploma file and placing it in the open file-sharing network in order to obtain the corresponding document hash; obtaining blockchain address (an electronic wallet was created using the MetaMask browser plugin, which allows for the transfer of data on a digital diploma to the blockchain); preparing data to be sent to the blockchain, where the data was a hexadecimal code, containing brief information about a digital diploma, including its hash; transferring data to the Ethereum blockchain (making a transaction); verification of transaction results in Etherscan.Conclusion.The blockchain technology provides great opportunities in improving the concept of e-learning, taking into account the current requirements of the digital economy. This technology can conceptually change the data archiving system, increase the reliability of information protection against falsification, and significantly speed up the execution of requests for information and data processing. The problems that arise can be successfully resolved, as long as that the blockchain becomes one of the principles of the unified information educational space.At the same time, the blockchain gives the following new opportunities: transparency and verifiability of the system of certification of graduates of educational institutions; the possibility of liquidation of intermediary organizations that implement a variety of support monitoring and certifying functions, associated with the “paper” requests for confirmation of diplomas; the overall reduction in paper workflow, the transfer of the classic “paper” business-processes into the information space, and as a result of all this – the practical implementation and example of the realization of the concept of digitalization of the knowledge economy.

False-positive results released by direct-to-consumer genetic tests highlight the importance of clinical confirmation testing for appropriate patient care

PurposeThere is increasing demand from the public for direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests, and the US Food and Drug Administration limits the type of health-related claims DTC tests can market. Some DTC companies provide raw genotyping data to customers if requested, and these raw data may include variants occurring in genes recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics to be reported as incidental/secondary findings. The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of requests for clinical confirmation of DTC results that were received by our laboratory and to analyze variant classification concordance.MethodsWe identified 49 patient samples received for further testing that had previously identified genetic variants reported in DTC raw data. For each case identified, information pertaining to the outcome of clinical confirmation testing as well as classification of the DTC variant was collected and analyzed.ResultsOur analyses indicated that 40% of variants in a variety of genes reported in DTC raw data were false positives. In addition, some variants designated with the “increased risk” classification in DTC raw data or by a third-party interpretation service were classified as benign at Ambry Genetics as well as several other clinical laboratories, and are noted to be common variants in publicly available population frequency databases.ConclusionOur results demonstrate the importance of confirming DTC raw data variants in a clinical laboratory that is well versed in both complex variant detection and classification.

Mutation detection for biochemical genetics in the genomic era

Objective: Our laboratory offers specialist testing for lysosomal and peroxisomal disorders. Requests for molecular confirmation of an enzyme or analyte diagnosis are increasing. To review the efficiency of molecular testing in our laboratory using first-tier screening for a customised panel of 77 common mutations in 29 biochemical genetic genes, followed by Next Generation Sequencing. Methods: A MassArray Primer Extension custom panel was designed by Agena Bioscience with 3 multiplexed assays. False negative and positive results due to underlying SNPs at the primer binding sites required redesign of some assays. NGS was performed using the Illumina TruSightTM Inherited Disease (552 genes) and TruSightTM One (4813 genes) sequencing panels, depending of coverage of the relevant genes. Clinical exome testing is performed using the Roche medical exome. Libraries were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq or NextSeq sequencing systems. Detection of variants of uncertain significance were regarded as a negative result. Results: 33 Massarray tests have been performed with 30 mutations detected out of 66 alleles. 215 ID tests have been performed with mutations detected in 139. 99 One tests have been performed with mutations detected in 30. 1 whole exome test has been performed without a diagnosis. The diagnosis rate was higher (97%) for patients with a known biochemical or clinical diagnosis but only 20% for patients with broad, less-defined phenotypes. No mutations were detected in 19 reproductive partners of carriers of an autosomal recessive disorder. Conclusion: Molecular testing has a high diagnostic yield in biochemical genetics patients with a known diagnosis. The Massarray panel increases efficiency by reducing the need for Next Generation Sequencing. Carrier testing of partners did not detect any mutations.

Confirmation or Elaboration: What Do Yes/No Declaratives Want?

ABSTRACTRecent analyses have argued that when requests for confirmation are implemented with declarative word order, they are closure-implicative due to the relatively knowing stance indexed with the declarative. This article demonstrates, however, that in some cases participants show an orientation to both confirmation and elaboration as a relevant next action. By comparing requests for confirmation that are closure-implicative to those that are expansion-implicative, it is argued that in addition to epistemic stance, participants also orient to the lexical design features and sequential placement of these declarative yes/no-type initiating actions to determine the relevant type of response. Data are in Dutch with English translations.

“De-novo” consultation: Evaluation of an outpatient's clinic dedicated to early diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes

IntroductionIn the absence of specific clinical signs, imaging or biomarkers, the differential diagnosis of degenerative parkinsonian syndromes may be difficult at early stages of the disease. To reduce the risk of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis and referral to multiple medical centers at disease onset, easier access to expert centers should be available. To improve the initial care of parkinsonian patients, the Parkinson's disease Expert Center (PEC) at Pitié-Salpêtrière Academic Hospital has set up a specific outpatients clinic with short waiting times dedicated to the diagnosis of early Parkinson's disease and related disorders. MethodsThe PEC setup first identifies requests for diagnostic confirmation of parkinsonian syndromes, then specific outpatients clinic visits are scheduled weekly, with examinations carried out by neurologists at the PEC on a rotating schedule. Data from the first year of the new procedure were analyzed retrospectively through self-administered questionnaires sent to patients seen during this period. The main outcomes were to confirm the ability to keep to short delays for patients’ examinations and to assess patients’ satisfaction with the setup. ResultsBoth study outcomes were achieved. The creation of an outpatients clinic dedicated to the early diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes allowed shorter delays before the first examination of 5 weeks instead of several months. Keeping to the weekly schedule and limited time taken for each visit was also achieved. Following this initial outpatients visit, diagnosis of a parkinsonian syndrome was clinically confirmed or further specified in 80% of cases. A survey of patients’ satisfaction showed a rate of over 91% in terms of the timing and course of clinical examinations at our PEC. Discussion/ConclusionThis study of our quality-improvement program for Parkinson's disease management has shown that specific consultations with shorter waiting times aiming to allow early specialized assessment of parkinsonian syndromes is beneficial for patients and reduces the risk of delayed diagnoses.

Intonation and Particles as Speech Act Modifiers: A Syntactic Analysis

AbstractThis study investigates how discourse particles and intonation contribute to the modification of speech act. In particular, it focuses on the interplay between the speaker’s and the addressee’s commitment toward the proposition in assertions, biased questions, and requests for confirmation. A syntactic analysis is proposed, in whichspeaker commitmentandcall on addresseeare represented as two functional projections of the speech act structure. Data from nontonal (Canadian English) and tonal languages (Cantonese and Medumba) are analyzed for cross-linguistic comparison. In Canadian English, the particle “eh” and rising intonation are associated with speaker commitment and call on addressee, respectively. In Cantonese, a single particle associates with these. In Medumba, the two positions are occupied by two distinct particles. This neo-performative approach toward speech act structure differs from Ross’s 1970 original insight by positing a high functional layer calledgrounding, rather than a higher matrix clause of the familiar type.

The functions and roles of questioning during nursing handovers in specialty settings: an ethnographic study

Background: Nursing handovers are an important component of patient safety and quality in communicating across transitions of care. Objectives: To determine the functions and roles of questions in nursing handovers, and of how questions contribute to handover quality improvement in specialty settings of an Australian tertiary hospital. Design: An ethnographic research design was employed. Methods: Participant observations were conducted which were audiorecorded and transcribed. Question–response sequences and the roles of questions in the handovers were coded. Results: Questions served many functions, and included: requests for information, requests for confirmation, other initiations of repair, outloud utterances, understanding checks, requests for action and agreement, and knowledge checks. Conclusions: Questioning was mostly used to transmit patient-related information, and nurses could use questioning to jointly construct understandings about patients. Future research should examine how questions function in diverse clinical environments, such as rural and regional hospitals, and how questioning occurs in multidisciplinary handover situations.

Questions and responses in Spanish monolingual and Spanish–English bilingual conversation

Drawing on a corpus of naturally occurring conversation, this study presents a quantitative and qualitative overview of the design of questions and responses (567 sequences in total) in monolingual Spanish conversation and in bilingual Spanish-English conversation. First we describe various features of question design and examine their relationship with action formation (e.g., requests for information vs. requests for confirmation). We then focus on responses to polar questions and show that interjection answers are the default answer type in Spanish, with other formats (i.e., repetitions and various marked interjections, including code-switching) being produced ‘for cause’. While some aspects of turn construction do appear to differ for monolinguals and bilinguals (e.g., the (in)availability of code-switching as an interactional resource), others are shown to not be significantly different between the two groups of speakers (e.g., pro-drop in question construction). Throughout the report, we make reference to studies of several other languages in an attempt to situate Spanish within cross-linguistic research on question-response sequences.