interruptionwhether

Interruptionwhether is a neologism proposed in discourse studies to describe a pattern of conversational interruption in which the interrupter inserts a clause beginning with whether to frame an alternative, hedge a claim, or challenge the ongoing discourse while taking a turn. The term combines interruption and whether, highlighting its function of signaling contingency rather than a straightforward assertion. It is used to analyze how speakers manage turn-taking while negotiating the scope of talk.

Definition and usage: It occurs when a speaker interrupts to introduce a conditional or hypothetical element, often using a clause such as “Whether this helps or not, …” The clause itself does not state a decisive claim but frames a stance as contingent on a condition.

Functions: It can mitigate direct disagreement, invite consideration of alternatives, or preserve politeness by disclaiming commitment. It also can serve topical control, steering the conversation toward options rather than conclusions.

Characteristics: The move is marked by the presence of a whether clause immediately after or within an interrupting turn, sometimes with a following main clause that carries the primary move. It often co-occurs with other discourse markers and pragmatic strategies.

Cross-linguistic notes: While English uses this structure, other languages may deploy different conditional or interrogative devices to achieve a similar effect.

See also: interruption, discourse marker, hedge, turn-taking.

This overview highlights that interpretation depends on context, power relations, and genre; further studies explore how interruptionwhether interacts with politeness, stance, and negotiation of authority.