tangential speech
[/tænˈdʒɛnʃəl spitʃ/]
noun
fala tangencial
1. Speech that deviates from the main topic or point, following a related but indirect path; a pattern of communication where the speaker goes off on a tangent
His tangential speech made it difficult for the audience to follow the main argument of his presentation.
A fala tangencial dele tornou difícil para a audiência acompanhar o argumento principal da apresentação.
2. A clinical or psychological term describing disorganized speech characterized by frequent digressions and difficulty returning to the original topic
The patient exhibited tangential speech patterns during the psychiatric evaluation.
O paciente exibiu padrões de fala tangencial durante a avaliação psiquiátrica.
3. Communication style where responses are related to the question asked but do not directly answer it
Her tangential speech avoided giving a straight answer to the interviewer's question.
A fala tangencial dela evitou dar uma resposta direta à pergunta do entrevistador.
Tangential speech is commonly recognized as a communication pattern in both American and Brazilian psychological and psychiatric practice. In clinical settings, it is often associated with certain mental health conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, or cognitive impairments. The term is used professionally in medical and educational contexts in both countries, though colloquially it may be described as 'rambling' or 'going off on tangents.'
NYC Slang
going off on a tangent, talking in circles, rambling
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