tension in turn-taking refers to the underlying interpersonal and structural dynamics that emerge during the negotiation of conversational turns. turn-taking is a foundational mechanism in spoken interaction, where participants alternate speaking roles in a manner that minimizes overlap and gaps. tension often manifests when conversational norms are challenged, such as through interruptions, delayed responses, or simultaneous speech, which can signal underlying power asymmetries, cultural variations in communicative practices, or heightened emotional states. these disruptions create moments of interactional instability that require negotiation to restore conversational equilibrium. the study of tension in turn-taking provides insight into the pragmatics of conversation, highlighting how individuals navigate social relationships, manage alignment, and maintain discourse coherence in real time.