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epistemological/linguistic question
When someone says something you didn't hear or you weren't sure you heard correctly, and you say "sorry?" or "excuse me?" to get them to repeat or clarify, would you say you are in fact apologizing at that point, or are those words filling some other social or technical purpose?
Also, is there another similarly polite way to tell someone you couldn't hear them that is not an apology?
I suppose "could you repeat that?" comes to mind, but I'd welcome other ideas.
Also, is there another similarly polite way to tell someone you couldn't hear them that is not an apology?
I suppose "could you repeat that?" comes to mind, but I'd welcome other ideas.
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I usually go for "What was that?" I guess the thing is, anytime you DON'T put the "apology" bit in there, it kinda sounds brusque or rude.
The question it raises to me is "While historically, it might have meant "I'm sorry for not listening closer, what did you say?" I wonder if it still carries that meaning NOW, or if it's just come to be a place holder.... Hmmmm...