The discussion centers on the usage of the verbs "talking" and "speaking" when answering the phone, particularly in the context of 1930s and 1940s American films. Participants agree that "speaking" is the more prevalent and natural choice in contemporary usage, while "talking" is rarely heard in modern contexts. The consensus indicates that "speaking" is preferred for clarity and formality when identifying oneself on a phone call.
PREREQUISITESLanguage enthusiasts, linguists, film historians, and anyone interested in the evolution of conversational norms in English.
I would say "speaking." I don't recall seeing any movies in which someone answered the phone saying, "talking."Stephen Tashi said:In watching old (USA) films from the 1930's an 1940's, characters who answer phones often use the work "talking" when they identify themselves, as in "Jed Truntree talking". By contrast, it seems more natural to me to use the word "speaking" , as in "Jed Truntree speaking". Which verb is more prevalent in that context nowadays? - "talking" or "speaking"?