Nodding and smiling in silence during the loop sequence of backchannels in Japanese conversation

Some Japanese language students have suggested that Japanese conversation tends to have periods of silence. However, empirical research regarding this tendency has rarely been done. The present study takes a glimpse at the occurrence of silence in the sequence of backchannels, known as the loop sequence, and shows that silence is not interactionally vacuous in this context of Japanese conversation. The data in the present study consist of four audio- and video-recorded dyadic conversations in which the participants were given a theme to discuss. An analysis of visualized data reveals that nods, produced independently and without any vocals, frequently occur during the loop sequence. It also indicates that creating silence in which no talk-relevant activities are conducted is avoided as much as possible during the loop sequence. The participants fill in a loop sequence silence with reciprocal or simultaneous verbal backchannels, nods, or smiles. As a result, a cooperative atmosphere is maintained during the loop sequence. Floor negotiation during the loop sequence is an enterprise by which Japanese conversationalists take advantage of both verbal and nonverbal channels so that they can continue the current dialogue without causing disharmony.