Discourse markers (DMs) are words that aid in the coherence and flow of speech. They serve various functions such as transitions, emphasizing thoughts, and response markers. DMs make conversations more lively and prevent awkward pauses. Some words can be both intentional parts of a sentence and DMs, making them difficult to distinguish. Context is crucial in determining whether a word or phrase is a DM.
Almost everyone uses discursive markers in speech and writing and they can be found in all languages. Speech markers (DMs) are words that have no effect on the coherence or grammar of a sentence, such as the words “well” or “so” and the phrase “you know” in English. Instead, speech markers help make the structure of speech more coherent and flow better. At one time, discourse markers were thought of as simple speech fillers, but now discourse analyzers realize that while these markers have no real purpose within discourse, they do serve their own functions in discourse. They are mostly used as transitions in subject or thought, methods of emphasizing thoughts, and response markers to another speaker’s previous utterances.
Speech indicators make a conversation more lively, personal, and engaged. Without them, the conversation can be stagnant and awkward. People tend to pause during a conversation, usually after a rejection, compliment, or request. If this natural delay in speaking is met with complete silence, the conversation becomes socially awkward. Adding DMs keeps the conversation going.
Other times DMs usually occur are when showing surprise, for clarification, when changing the subject, and when resuming previous topics. What makes a speech marker useful is that in a single word or short sentence, it removes the guesswork from previous dialogue as well as current and upcoming speech. It can also signal the listener or reader what to expect.
When placed at the beginning of a thought, a speech marker is usually a reaction to the other speaker. For example, “good” can mark a response to the statement made by the other speaker. If placed at the beginning of a thought, it could also signal the end of the mystery or anticipation. Another example of this would be using “so” during an introduction such as “So, it’s nice to introduce you…”.
Some words and phrases are used both as intentional parts of a sentence and as discourse markers. An example of this is the “you know” speech marker. In the sentence “You know, I don’t like cheese,” the sentence “you know” is a discourse marker. In the sentence “Do you know where the book is?” the sentence is no longer a DM. This interchangeability can make some DMs difficult to distinguish from the actual conversation.
To determine whether a phrase or word is a marker of discourse, the context of the dialogue must be considered. Taking the word or phrase from the sentence can also help. The sentence should be able to stand on its own without the speech marker.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
