This process is known as "uptalk" or "valleygirl speak" and has in the past been associated with young females, typically from California or Australia.



But now a team says that this way of speaking is becoming more frequent among men.



The findings were presented at the Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America in California.



"We found use of uptalk in all of our speakers, despite their diverse backgrounds in socioeconomic status, ethnicity, bilingualism and gender," said Amanda Ritchart, a linguist at the University of California who led the research.



"We believe that uptalk is becoming more prevalent and systematic in its use for the younger generations in Southern California," she added.



Source.

 

I'm really getting tired of seeing interviews with people in their 20's who use the word "like" at least once in every sentence.

 

Also "uh" and "um". Think, then speak!



This is a product of those parents who don't want to hurt poor widdle feeeeelings and correct their children. For two or three generations now. I don't mean (only) nuns with rulers, I mean telling children to stop using Baby Talk and when a child gives an answer beginning with "um" interrupt and say their answer is incorrect.