Issues of comparative theory are addressed through direct examination of acknowledgment tokens (e.g. Eh, Mm, Mmmm, Uh heh?) in American and Swedish conversations. Findings yield grounds for claiming universality across cultural members’placement and usage of acknowledgment tokens. This is especially evident in the ways interactants organize stories and topics by (a) working to preserve rights and privileges of tellers, and (b) moving toward more active speakership. A substairtiwe (i.e., reinspectable) basis for rendering comparative judgments about cross‐cultural similarities and differences is thus offered. Attention is then given to the impact of research methods on understanding communication and culture. Contrasts are made with anecdotal and self‐report findings depicting Swedes as conversationally inept, lacking the necessary skills in such activities as “offering feedback.” Explanations of findings indicating conversational universals and particulars are offered, and implications for comparative theory development are e