Japanese Verbal Signals (1)

Aizuchi

The Japanese continuously use verbal as well as non-verbal signal (aizuchi) to indicate that they are following what is being said. This can be compared to the counterpoint in music, which keeps the rhythm going. A recent study of injected aizuchi such as "hai (Yes)" and "ee", "Sou desu ne (Yes, quite right)", "Naruhodo (I see)", found that it occurs every few seconds in an average Japanese conversation. It must be noted that not all aizuchi are in agreement with the speaker. The listener will often add expressions such as "Aa, sou desu ka (is that right?)" and "Sou iu koto mo aru no desu ka (can that be true?)". This form of aizuchi is to let the speaker know that the listener is paying attention, it is not meant to contradict the speaker.

For a foreigner, aizuchi, can cause confusion when he/she is speaking. The speaker may misconstrue the expressions by his/her Japanese audience as a sign of agreement where none is intended. Ironically, a lack of aizuchi by a foreigner can lead a Japanese speaker to feel that he/she is not being understood.

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