Yes

It's a normal kind of word, definitely the standard in affirmative communication, but I've experienced a new incarnation of the word 'yes' while in the north west of Ireland.

The locals here say it while breathing in. Try it sometime and see what it sounds like. I assume it's so that the lungs have enough air to continue the conversation the same breakneck speed it was begun.

But a sharp intake of breath means something rather different to me. So imagine sitting around in a room having a conversation, while your head whips round at every breath inwards. It's a funny old world.