‘Incrementing’ in conversation. A comparison of practices in English, German and Japanese

This cross-linguistic study focuses on ways in which conversationalists speak beyond a point of possible turn completion conversation, specifically extensions are grammatically dependent, backward-looking and extend the prior action. It argues that further distinctions can be made terms whether extension is prosodically integrated with unit, its host, ( Non-add-on ) or not, it repairs some part host Replacement not. Added-on, non-repairing distinguished they fitted to end Glue-ons not Insertables ). A preliminary survey TCU continuation English, German Japanese conversation reveals number significant differences respect frequency range type. English at one extreme preferring over Non-Add-ons Insertables, whereas other Non-add-ons Glue-ons. occupies an intermediary position but whole more like Japanese. The preference for vs. appears reflect language’s tendency towards syntactic left- right headedness. In conclusion classification ‘increment’ types goes English-based Glue-on, attributes central role prosodic delivery adopts usage-based understanding word order.