Turn-taking processes are distributed along a continuum in which the two extreme poles display two specular situations. The first pole concerns a conversation in which the signer keeps the turn and the addressee just watches, before the turn is allocated to another participant. The second pole refers to a situation in which two or more signers overlap continuously in the conversation resulting in either a competitive or a cooperative exchange.
In the following sections, three types of turn-taking patterns are discussed: i) smooth turn taking (PRAGMATICS 10.2.1.1), ii) turn taking with pause (PRAGMATICS 10.2.1.2), and iii) overlapping turn taking (PRAGMATICS 10.2.1.3).