What are "juncture" pauses used for in language?

Juncture pauses are important in language as they serve to separate words and phrases, helping to clarify meaning and enhance the overall coherence of spoken communication. In oral language, where the absence of visual cues can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, these pauses give listeners time to process information and distinguish between different components of speech. For example, without appropriate juncture pauses, phrases that are intended to be understood together could be misinterpreted when blended together too closely. This makes juncture pauses a pivotal aspect of effective communication, as they enhance clarity and comprehension.

While other aspects of speech, such as sentence boundaries or emphasis, play important roles, the primary function of juncture pauses directly relates to maintaining clear separations in the flow of speech, thereby making option B the most accurate choice.