Gaze and overlap resolution in triadic interactions

• Published in: Journal of pragmatics 2019-01, Vol.140, p.49-69
• Main Authors: Zima, Elisabeth, Weiß, Clarissa, Brône, Geert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dutch language; Eye movements; Eye tracking; Gaze; German language; Interpersonal communication; Linguistics; Nonverbal communication; Overlap resolution; Simultaneous beginnings; Triadic interaction
• ISSN: 0378-2166; 1879-1387
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pragma.2018.11.019

This paper presents a corpus study on the role of gaze for overlap resolution in German and Dutch triadic interactions. The focus is on overlap due to a simultaneous start by two speakers with one speaker abandoning her TCU before reaching a point of completion. The gaze behaviours of all three participants in the conversations were recorded with mobile eye tracking glasses. The analysis of the eye tracking data reveals the following gaze patterns: speakers who prevail in the competition for the turn space use gaze aversion away from the competing speaker as both a turn-holding and turn-yielding strategy. Withdrawing speakers, in turn, maintain gaze at the co-speaker or direct their gaze at her during overlap. Third participants often single out the later prevailing speaker and either keep looking at her or shift gaze to her during the overlap phase. •Speakers in triadic interaction employ gaze as an overlap resolution device to manage the return to ‘one-speaker-at-a-time’ in cases when to speaker have simultaneously co-started TCUs at a TRP.•Gaze aversion from co-starting speakers is a very powerful strategy to prevail in the competition for talk.•Withdrawing speakers maintain or seek gaze with the competing speaker.•Third participants, i.e. those not immediately engaged in the overlap sequence, often direct their gaze to the co-starter who is going to prevail in the competition for the turn space.