vocalizations

Definition

Brief, non-verbal sounds—such as 'mm-hmm,' 'oh,' or 'huh'—used during conversation to provide feedback to a speaker.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'vocalis,' meaning 'voice' or 'speaking.' It entered English to describe the act of producing sounds with the voice, particularly those that do not necessarily form structured words.

In the news

In this article, vocalizations are described as one of the audiovisual cues, along with nodding, that listeners use to encourage a speaker and maintain the flow of conversation without necessarily agreeing with what is being said.

Psychology says people who nod while listening even when they disagree may be prioritizing conversational harmony

The Economic Times

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