microreiteration

Microreiteration is a concept in linguistics and discourse analysis that refers to the brief, often subtle, repetition of a word or phrase by a speaker. This repetition is typically not for emphasis in the traditional sense, but rather serves a more nuanced communicative function. It can be used to signal understanding, to seek confirmation, to buy time for formulating a response, or to maintain the flow of conversation. For example, if one person says "The meeting is at three," and the other responds "Three?", the second "Three?" is a microreiteration. It serves to confirm the time without explicitly asking "Did you say three?".

The function of microreiteration is highly dependent on context, intonation, and the relationship between speakers. A rising intonation on the repeated element often signals a question or a request for clarification, while a flat intonation might indicate acknowledgment or agreement. In some cases, it can be a way for a listener to subtly indicate they are actively processing the information being presented. It is a common feature of spontaneous speech and can contribute to a more natural and interactive conversational exchange. Unlike more prominent forms of repetition, microreiteration is characterized by its brevity and its integration into the ongoing turn-taking of dialogue. It is a subtle but effective tool in the repertoire of everyday communication.