Learners of a second language are confronted with different challenges. They have to learn new words and grammar rules and how to apply them. To improve their skills they need to be corrected or they must have the possibility to correct themselves by comparing their usage of the foreign language with that of native speakers. However, there are some implicit rules to using a language which are rarely detected by both learners and native speakers. One of these cases is the usage of discourse markers (DM) (Svartvik 1980:171). Swedish linguist Jan Svartvik assumes that such particles’ inadequate applications have more far-reaching consequences during communication than grammatical incorrectness (1980:172).
In this essay I will concentrate on the DM like since it is amongst the most frequently used by native speakers of English (Fox Tree 2006:727, 2007:309; Müller 2005:197). As research has shown, non-native speakers use like less often as a DM than native speakers (Fuller 2003:200; Fung and Carter 2007:435; Hikyoung 2004:121; Müller 2005:230). Thus, I will firstly argue that the infrequent use of like as a DM is one feature by which non-native speakers can be recognized as such. Secondly, I will show that this deficit in pragmatic competence effects their communication with native speakers negatively. I claim that the reasons for the lower rate of like relates to its pragmatic functions and the way in which English is taught.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Functions of Like
- Differences of the Use of Like by Native and Non-Native Speakers
- Consequences of the Different Use of Like by Native and Non-Native Speakers
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the use of the discourse marker "like" by native and non-native English speakers. The essay aims to demonstrate that the infrequent use of "like" by non-native speakers distinguishes them from native speakers, and this deficit in pragmatic competence can negatively impact their communication with native speakers. The essay explores the various pragmatic functions of "like" and investigates the reasons behind non-native speakers' lower use of this discourse marker.- The use of "like" as a discourse marker differentiates native and non-native English speakers.
- Non-native speakers' infrequent use of "like" can negatively impact their communication with native speakers.
- The various pragmatic functions of "like" make it challenging for non-native speakers to fully grasp its usage.
- The reasons for non-native speakers' lower use of "like" are rooted in its pragmatic functions and how English is taught.
- The consequences of using "like" incorrectly or not using it at all can be detrimental to communication and social perception.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The introduction presents the challenge faced by second language learners in mastering the nuances of language, particularly implicit rules like the use of discourse markers. It highlights the importance of discourse markers, specifically "like," in communication and how its infrequent use by non-native speakers can lead to misinterpretations.
- Functions of Like: This section explores the various pragmatic functions of "like," including its role as a "loose talk marker," a "hedge," an indicator of thinking time, a focus marker, and a "looseness marker." The wide range of these functions makes it difficult for non-native speakers to translate "like" accurately and fully comprehend its meaning.
- Differences of the Use of Like by Native and Non-Native Speakers: This section delves into research studies that demonstrate significant differences in the use of "like" between native and non-native English speakers. It highlights the significantly lower frequency of "like" usage among non-native speakers, even those who have lived in English-speaking environments and regularly interact with native speakers. The section also notes the potential link between "like" usage and "acculturation and assimilation into an English-speaking culture."
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this essay include discourse markers, pragmatic functions, language acquisition, communication, native vs. non-native speaker differences, acculturation, and assimilation. The essay examines the use of the discourse marker "like" in English and its role in differentiating native and non-native speakers. The primary concepts include the various pragmatic functions of "like," the reasons behind non-native speakers' lower usage, and the consequences of this difference in communication and social perception.- Quote paper
- Kathrin Biegner (Author), 2008, “There's like the Galleria and like all these like really great shoe stores”: Why non-native speakers do not speak this way and what it means for them, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/168701
