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“Um, What?”: The Hidden Purpose Behind Filler Words

You are here: Home / Archive / Feature Stories / “Um, What?”: The Hidden Purpose Behind Filler Words
Published: March 31, 2024 by VPR Producer

We’ve all been there. You’ve given a presentation or had a job interview and realized afterwards that you may have used too many words like “um”, “you know” or “like”. While these fillers are distracting if overused, when added in moderation, they do play a very specific purpose.


Guest Information:

  • Valerie Fridland, sociolinguist, professor, linguistics, English Department, University of Nevada-Reno, author, Like Literally Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English.

Links for more info:

  • Valerie Fridland
  • Penguin Random House: Like Literally Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English.
  • Harvard Business Review: Why Filler Words Like “Um” and “Ah” Are Actually Useful
Program #: 24-13segment type: Feature StoriesTopics - Communication| Culture and the Arts| History| Language and Grammar| Personal Growth and Development| Public SpeakingGuests - Valerie FridlandBooks & Publications - Like Literally Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad EnglishInstitutions - University of Nevada - RenoHost - Marty PetersonProducers - Amirah Zaveri| Jason Dickey
  • 31Share on Facebook
  • 33Share on Twitter
  • 19Share on Instagram
  • 9Share on LinkedIn
  • 6Share on Reddit
  • 10Share on Pinterest
  • 49Share on Email

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Since 2000, Viewpoints Radio has been bringing listeners the relevant information they crave in current events, literature, entertainment and more. Both Viewpoints Radio and sister show Radio Health Journal are productions of AURN.

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