Abstract Okay is used in different sequential environments for a variety of interactional functions across languages, but the range of context-specific uses of the particle is not yet fully explored. This conversation analytic study focuses on turn-initial okay in English, specifically in responses to questions where okay does not itself constitute the answer. We argue that okay in responsive position combines the semantics of acceptance and transition for a sequentially particularized use: Okay looks backward to accept the question and mark the speaker's readiness to respond while also looking forward to project talk that is not the conditionally relevant answer. This talk temporarily postpones, but does not move away from, the conditionally relevant answer, and the resulting multi-unit turn architecture that we observe is: Question – Okay + UNIT 1 (not the answer) + UNIT 2 (the answer). Okay projects a ‘detour’ from the asked-for answer in favor of managing aspects of the question or addressing the need for additional work in answering. Data are in English and include varieties spoken in Canada, Singapore, and the United States.

中文翻译：

---

回答问题前绕道而行：英语交互第二位转开头还好

摘要 Okay 在不同的顺序环境中用于跨语言的各种交互功能，但粒子的上下文特定用途的范围尚未得到充分探索。这项对话分析研究侧重于英语中的转向初始 OK，特别是在回答 OK 本身并不构成答案的问题时。我们认为，回应位置的 OK 结合了接受和过渡的语义，用于顺序特定的用途：OK 向后看接受问题并标记说话者准备好回应，同时也期待与有条件相关的答案的项目谈话。这个演讲暂时推迟了，但并没有远离条件相关的答案，我们观察到的由此产生的多单元转弯架构是：问题 – 好的 + UNIT 1（不是答案）+ UNIT 2（答案）。好的从要求的答案中“绕道而行”，有利于管理问题的各个方面或解决回答时需要额外工作的需求。数据为英语，包括在加拿大、新加坡和美国使用的变体。