The phrase "Yeah, no, so, erm" is an example of a filler or hesitation phrase commonly used in spoken language. People use these fillers to give themselves a moment to gather their thoughts, signal uncertainty, or indicate that they are about to say something important or potentially sensitive.
Let's break down the different components:
"Yeah": This is often used as a conversational filler, expressing agreement or acknowledgment. In this context, it doesn't necessarily indicate agreement but rather serves as a way to connect with the listener or create a sense of rapport before delving into the main point.
"No": Here, "no" is not used to contradict the previous statement or indicate disagreement. Instead, it functions as another filler, almost like saying "well" or "um." It can convey that the speaker is about to share something they may not have thought of before or that they are trying to organize their thoughts.
"So": In this context, "so" serves as a transition word, indicating that the speaker is about to elaborate on or explain something.
"Erm": This is yet another hesitation sound. Similar to "um" or "uh," it shows that the speaker is pausing to think or find the right words.
Combined, these fillers create a moment of hesitation and provide a softer entry into the sentence. Using fillers can make speech sound more natural and conversational, giving the speaker time to plan what they want to say or consider how to phrase it. They are especially common in casual or informal conversations where there is less pressure to speak with perfect fluency.