How can I follow a conversation when speakers refer to earlier things indirectly?
Quick answer
As you listen, note the short reference, the people or things mentioned earlier, and which candidate fits the conversation’s current focus. For example, “she” may refer to a person already mentioned, while “that” may point to an idea or object. If you are unsure, record more than one possibility and keep listening for clues instead of deciding too soon. [S1]
The question, the details, the next step.
I lose track when someone says “she,” “it,” or “that” instead of repeating a name. What should I listen for?
Listen for both the expression that needs a referent and the conversation’s current focus. “She” may point back to a person mentioned earlier. “That” may point to an idea or something being discussed, rather than the most recently mentioned person or object. Consider the surrounding exchange when comparing possible meanings. [S1]
On a first listen, try this:
- Notice the short expression: “she,” “it,” “those,” “that,” or another one.
- Recall the people, things, or ideas mentioned earlier.
- Ask which candidate fits the ongoing exchange.
If the audio doesn’t give enough clues, put a question mark in your notes and keep listening. This is a practice strategy, not a guarantee that every reference will be clear.
Can you show me what that looks like with a short audio exchange? I want to practice without relying on a transcript.
Imagine hearing this exchange once, without seeing the words:
A: “Mina brought the sketchbook and the colored pencils.” B: “Those are for the poster?” A: “Yes. She’s bringing it to the club after lunch.”
After listening, jot down the phrases you caught and your best links. For example:
- “Those” — possibly the colored pencils, or both supplies. The question may refer to the items as a group; keep both possibilities open.
- “She” — likely Mina, who was named earlier.
- “It” — uncertain. The poster was mentioned, but the exchange alone may not settle what “it” refers to.
This example is intentionally not fully resolved. Record what the audio supports, not what you think the speakers ought to mean. If you can replay it, listen for whether the surrounding exchange clarifies your guesses.
How do I avoid grabbing the last noun I heard every time? And what should I do if two people could fit “they”?
Treat the last noun as one candidate, not the automatic answer. Ask what the active topic is—a person, a plan, or an item—then compare possible referents with the surrounding turns. A reference can point back into earlier conversation, while the relevant focus may be broader than the immediately preceding word. [S1]
For “they,” list the people or groups that could fit. You might write “they = Mina and Lee?” rather than silently choosing one. On another listen, check who is being discussed and what action is described, or whether a later reply confirms or corrects your guess. These are prompts for listening, not a promise that every recording will contain a decisive clue.
If replay is available, use one pass to follow the main subject and another to check references. If not, make a best guess and mark it as uncertain. Keep your guesses separate from what you actually heard.
Could you give me a reusable chart I can fill in during practice, including a way to mark what I’m unsure about?
Copy this chart for each short exchange. Keep entries brief so you can continue listening:
| Moment | Phrase heard | Possible referent | Clue from the exchange | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [turn or moment] | [“she,” “that,” etc.] | [candidate(s)] | [earlier mention or topic] | [likely / unsure] |
Example entries from the exchange above:
| Moment | Phrase heard | Possible referent | Clue from the exchange | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A’s reply | “She” | Mina | Mina was named earlier | Likely |
| A’s reply | “it” | Poster? | The poster was mentioned in the question | Unsure |
To review, mark entries with competing candidates and replay enough context to compare them. If neither becomes clearer, keep the question mark. The chart organizes your interpretation; it cannot prove a speaker’s intended meaning when the conversation is ambiguous.
A practical checklist
Write down the short reference you heard.
List plausible people, things, or ideas mentioned earlier.
Check the current topic before choosing a candidate.
Use another listen or a later turn to look for clues.
Mark uncertain entries instead of forcing one answer.
A few more useful answers
Should I write down every pronoun?
For a short practice clip, note references that make you lose track or affect the meaning. Trying to record every word can distract you from following the exchange.
What if I can’t tell what “that” means?
Record two plausible meanings and the surrounding topic, then keep listening for clues. Some audio may not provide enough context to decide.
Does the chart prove what a speaker meant?
No. It organizes your listening and makes uncertainty visible; it cannot establish intent when the conversation itself is ambiguous.
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] MIT OpenCourseWare: Conversational Computer Systems, chapter on discourse and reference live.ocw.mit.edu · Checked