Which term describes the process of signaling transition between thoughts with a non-lexical pause?

Which term describes the process of signaling transition between thoughts with a non-lexical pause?

• A. Signals
• B. Filler
• C. Cue
• D. Transition Phrase

Answer: (B)

Using a non-lexical pause to bridge thoughts is described by filler. A filler is a sound like “uh” or “um” that fills the space while you think, signaling you’re transitioning to the next idea without adding new content. This differs from a cue or signal, which are prompts or gestures, and from a transition phrase, which uses actual words to link ideas. So the best choice is filler, because it specifically captures signaling a transition through a non-lexical pause rather than content words.

Using a non-lexical pause to bridge thoughts is described by filler. A filler is a sound like “uh” or “um” that fills the space while you think, signaling you’re transitioning to the next idea without adding new content. This differs from a cue or signal, which are prompts or gestures, and from a transition phrase, which uses actual words to link ideas. So the best choice is filler, because it specifically captures signaling a transition through a non-lexical pause rather than content words.