tühisõnad

Tühisõnad, often translated as "filler words" or "hesitation devices" in English, are words or phrases that are used to pause or hesitate while speaking. They do not carry significant meaning on their own but serve to fill the silence, provide thinking time, or maintain the flow of conversation. Common examples in Estonian include "noh," "et," "ee," "aa," and "siis."

The use of tühisõnad is a natural part of human speech across many languages. They can indicate that the speaker is formulating their thoughts, searching for the right word, or needs a moment to process information. While their presence is normal, excessive use can sometimes be perceived as a sign of uncertainty, lack of preparation, or even a lack of confidence. However, in moderation, they can make speech sound more natural and less abrupt.

The specific tühisõnad used can vary by region and social group. Their function is primarily pragmatic, aiding the speaker in managing their discourse in real-time. Understanding tühisõnad helps in analyzing speech patterns and can be a point of interest in linguistics and communication studies. They are an integral, albeit often unconscious, component of everyday spoken language.