Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Grant and Martha:

Your mini-show on the word "embololalia" reminded me of one of my professors from college. As a vocalized pause, he would always say "taka-taka". He would continue repeating the sound "taka" until he found his word. Have you (or anyone else on the forum) heard of this form of vocalized pause? The professor was from Russia but I've never heard other Russians do this.