Yeah, I think some people consider it really polite to never ever interrupt the speaker, while others consider it impolite not to add backchanneling responses. The frequency (and probably type) of backchanneling is culture-dependent and affected by gender [norms] as well (e.g. http://www.lingref.com/cpp/wss/1/paper1012.pdf), idk if you might have a mismatch with your friend. Personally I greatly prefer overly enthusiastic backchanneling over none haha, I get nervous when I'm speaking for a bit and there's no response from the listener except polite silence and an inquisitive stare.
Thanks for the explanation of backchanneling. I know someone who NEVER does this, and perhaps now I can explain to him why it's so frustrating
Yeah, I think some people consider it really polite to never ever interrupt the speaker, while others consider it impolite not to add backchanneling responses. The frequency (and probably type) of backchanneling is culture-dependent and affected by gender [norms] as well (e.g. http://www.lingref.com/cpp/wss/1/paper1012.pdf), idk if you might have a mismatch with your friend. Personally I greatly prefer overly enthusiastic backchanneling over none haha, I get nervous when I'm speaking for a bit and there's no response from the listener except polite silence and an inquisitive stare.