This essay will deal with discourse signals, with special focus on their function and meaning.
It is important to understand that in the term “discourse signals” two other terms are included: “interaction signals” and “discourse markers”, which are explained later on in the text.
Discourse signals as such, as the name already says, signal the structure of the discourse. They are usually used in order to make the interlocutor see one’s current relationship and attitude towards the state of the discourse. The signal therefore helps the listener expecting a certain utterance intention of the speaker. Hence the former can somehow foresee the intention of the latter.
The following text will go into detail concerning function and meaning of discourse signals.
Table of Contents
- Function and position of discourse signals
- Interactional signals
- Function and Position
- Discourse markers
- Forms of Discourse markers
- Function as Slot-Fillers
- Common Ground
- Conversational Moves
- Other functions of discourse signals
- Empathizers
- Hedges
- Stallers
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to explore the function and meaning of discourse signals in conversation, focusing on their role in structuring discourse and managing interaction. It examines how the meaning and function of these signals vary depending on their position within a conversation.
- The function and position of discourse signals in conversation.
- The different types of discourse signals: interactional signals and discourse markers.
- The role of discourse signals as slot-fillers and gap-fillers.
- The various functions of discourse signals beyond structuring, such as expressing empathy, hedging, and stalling.
- The impact of the position of a discourse signal on its meaning and function.
Chapter Summaries
Function and position of discourse signals: This chapter analyzes the crucial role of position in determining the meaning of discourse signals. It argues that a signal's function changes depending on whether it constitutes a turn on its own, or appears at the beginning, middle, or end of a turn. The example of "YES" is used to illustrate how the same word can be a complete act or a part of a larger act depending on its position. The chapter emphasizes the importance of considering a signal's position within the conversational flow to correctly interpret its meaning and function, highlighting how signals function as "stage markers" within turns and as gap or slot fillers between turns.
Interactional signals: This section focuses on interactional signals, which initiate, maintain, and conclude conversations. It explores their use in providing and soliciting feedback (e.g., "I SEE," "RIGHT"), involving the listener (e.g., "YOU know"), and responding (e.g., "YES"). The analysis demonstrates how these signals frequently occur as independent turns, particularly when used as responses, although exceptions exist. Multiple examples of the word "right" in different turn positions illustrate its versatile function within conversations, acting as a response, a re-opening, or a follow-up confirmation.
Discourse markers: This chapter examines discourse markers, which organize conversations, establish boundaries, mark turns or topics, and convey attitudes. It details various forms of discourse markers—connectives (like "AND"), adverbials (like "ANYWAY"), prepositional phrases (like "AFTER ALL"), interjections (like "WELL"), and lexical phrases (like "YOU KNOW"). The chapter emphasizes the distinct function of discourse markers as slot fillers within a turn, unlike interactional signals, which can function as gap fillers. The examples illustrate how these markers structure and frame the discourse, sometimes introducing new ideas or bringing thoughts to a close. The discussion includes the impact of discourse markers on the overall interpretation of a statement, highlighting the way they shape the speaker's intended meaning and the listener's understanding.
Other functions of discourse signals: This section explores additional roles of discourse signals beyond their primary functions of structuring and managing interaction. It introduces empathizers, hedges, and stallers as further categories of discourse signals. While not explicitly defined or exemplified in the provided text, the implied functions suggest these categories reflect nuances in conversational strategy, allowing speakers to manage interpersonal dynamics, convey uncertainty, or control the conversational flow.
Keywords
Discourse signals, interactional signals, discourse markers, conversational structure, turn-taking, gap fillers, slot fillers, meaning, function, position, conversation analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this text?
The text focuses on discourse signals in conversation, exploring their functions, positions, and meanings. It analyzes different types of discourse signals, including interactional signals and discourse markers, and examines their roles in structuring discourse and managing interaction.
What types of discourse signals are discussed?
The text discusses interactional signals (which initiate, maintain, and conclude conversations), and discourse markers (which organize conversations, establish boundaries, and convey attitudes). It also touches upon other functions of discourse signals such as empathizers, hedges, and stallers.
What is the significance of the position of a discourse signal?
The text emphasizes that the position of a discourse signal significantly impacts its meaning and function. A signal's role changes depending on whether it's a standalone turn or appears at the beginning, middle, or end of a turn. The example of "YES" illustrates how position determines whether it's a complete act or part of a larger one.
How do discourse markers function in conversation?
Discourse markers organize conversations, mark turns or topics, and convey attitudes. The text highlights their function as slot fillers within a turn, distinguishing them from interactional signals which can function as gap fillers. Examples of discourse markers include connectives, adverbials, prepositional phrases, interjections, and lexical phrases.
What are interactional signals and how do they function?
Interactional signals initiate, maintain, and conclude conversations. They are used for providing and soliciting feedback (e.g., "I SEE," "RIGHT"), involving the listener (e.g., "YOU know"), and responding (e.g., "YES"). They often occur as independent turns, particularly when used as responses.
What are the "other functions" of discourse signals mentioned?
Beyond structuring and managing interaction, discourse signals can also function as empathizers, hedges, and stallers. These categories reflect nuances in conversational strategy, allowing speakers to manage interpersonal dynamics, convey uncertainty, or control the conversational flow.
What are some examples of discourse markers given in the text?
Examples include connectives ("AND"), adverbials ("ANYWAY"), prepositional phrases ("AFTER ALL"), interjections ("WELL"), and lexical phrases ("YOU KNOW").
What are the key takeaways of the text?
The key takeaways are the crucial role of position in determining the meaning of discourse signals, the different functions of interactional signals and discourse markers, and the broader functions of discourse signals beyond simply structuring conversation (e.g., expressing empathy, hedging, and stalling).
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: Discourse signals, interactional signals, discourse markers, conversational structure, turn-taking, gap fillers, slot fillers, meaning, function, position, conversation analysis.
What is the overall aim of this text?
The essay aims to explore the function and meaning of discourse signals in conversation, focusing on their role in structuring discourse and managing interaction, and how their meaning and function vary depending on their position within a conversation.
- Quote paper
- Catharina Kern (Author), 2006, Meaning and function of discourse signals, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/70887