When interviewed Westerners have the habit of saying "You Know" repeatedly in their answers any reason for it?

Question

Watch a person a European or American being interviewed say on TV and you will observe that he will repeatedly keep on using the words "YOU KNOW" several times coupled with the replies.This is quite a common occurence any reason for the use of those words which is not relevant to the questions asked.

Answer 1

I agree with other comments that it is a filler to give the speaker a gap to think on what they are saying but to also retain the floor in that conversation.

I am UK born and didn't realise the extent to which I say 'you know' and 'like' until I was videod for a counselling course I was on. Even though it is more of a subconscious action, I notice that I don't do it as often in more formal company but I do it a lot in company that I'm comfortable and feel safe in.

I would say that every culture has its own colloquialisms and idiosyncrasies that seem obvious to people outside of that culture but within it, it's harder to spot as it becomes common parlance.

Answer 2

I guess when I say something like "I think it is going to rain, you know?" I tack the "You know" on the end as a short way of saying "I am done with my statement and I expect an answer. Please do so at this time".

I can see where it would be confusing for people from areas other than Western Europe and the USA. I have a friend who says "Huh?" instead of "You Know" but it means the same thing.


BTW, Justme....I graduated on the dean's list and got my master's in sociology in 4 years from Gonzaga U. in 1992 and still say "You know". Broad generalizations can be very dangerous. Plus, it makes the person throwing out that assumption seem kind-of stupid.....that whole pot/kettle thing........YOU KNOW?????? I am just teasing you and being a smartypants and not trying to be rude, just get a smile from you......YOU KNOW????? Have a great day....You Know???? *smile*

Answer 3

It's basically just "filler" in a conversation, taking up space until the speaker comes up with the appropriate words to continue. Some people use the work "like" a lot in that way - "Uhh, like.... I was walking down the street, and uhh, like, I saw this weird dude......". In our society it's sort of an unspoken taboo to just let dead space silence occur in a conversation. Many people probably aren't even aware of how often they use phrases such as "you know" and "like"

I don't think that Westerners have a monopoly on doing this - I'm willing to bet other languages and cultures have similar lingustic habits also.

Answer 4

It is in a different sense that they use it. Often the Brits will start a question or opinion with "You know that... and they are serious in its usage. It is a certain style of conversation.

Americans use it all the time, casually, as filler material in sentences while shaping their thoughts. They think what they're saying while they say it. The British take a moment or two before saying what they think. The French often finish each other's sentences. Germans like a good debate but rarely take sides.

Answer 5

In general, westerners are good at communicating in English. Saying "You know" symbolizes how good they are at communication. When you say "you know" or make any reference to the opposite person, it attracts the attention of the person. The opposite person thinks as if something is being referred to him. It is a way to constantly grab the attention of the person. This can be done by persons who are very clear at communication and they exactly know what they mean. Rest can't dare to use words that grab attention of the opposite person. Especially whose mother tongue is not english or those who are not fluent in english. But they will have few words that they frequently use in their own mother tongue.

Few people who copy the words "You know" use them when they don't have words left. :-). They make it a habit to say "you know" but seldom realize what they are saying.

Answer 6

It's a bad habit. We want to be sure someone is listening and understands the point we are making. It's like hanging on to the person to hold their attention.

Answer 7

My law professor broke the habit of his students(including myself) by saying "No, I don't know, F U too!". Most everyone stopped using it after the explanation of it basically means "I don't feel like you are worth explaining it in further detail so F U."

Answer 8

Cultural habit. You pick up local dialects and phrases of the culture you are surrounded by. It is just an unfortunate habit. You know?

Answer 9

It's just a habit generally used by the less intelligent.

Answer 10

Well Ive noticed that Japanese people will say Hai even when they mean no, any reason for it?