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
1. Function and position of discourse signals
2. Interactional signals
2.1. Function and Position
3. Discourse markers
3.1. Forms of Discourse markers
3.2. Function as Slot-Fillers
3.3. Common Ground
3.4. Conversational Moves
4. Other functions of discourse signals
4.1.Empathizers
4.2.Hedges
4.3.Stallers
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This essay explores the linguistic role, meaning, and positioning of discourse signals in spoken communication. The primary objective is to analyze how these signals structure discourse, convey speaker attitudes, and facilitate interaction between participants.
- Functional classification of discourse signals, interactional signals, and markers.
- The impact of turn positioning on the meaning and utility of discourse signals.
- Structural mechanisms such as gap-fillers, slot-fillers, and conversational moves.
- The role of discourse signals in establishing common ground between interlocutors.
- Strategic usage of empathizers, hedges, and stallers in managing conversational flow.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1. Forms of Discourse markers
Discourse markers are taken to organize a conversation, to make boundaries within it and to mark a turn or a topic. Furthermore they indicate some aspects of attitude and the expressive function of a discourse’s part. There exist many different forms of discourse markers, such as:
Connectives, like AND
A: I think I will stay home. I feel LIKE I ran half a marathon.
B: AND yesterday you said you would come!
It is important to notice that in this example “and” is not simply a connective. By using the discourse marker “like”, the whole first sentence becomes more subjective and does not want to be taken too seriously. The degree of exhaustion is exaggerated and must not be understood exactly as it is said here. The exaggeration indicated the importance of the sentence which then is diminished again by using the word “like”. The addressee then knows that the addresser has a “normal” tiredness in mind. He then indicated his indignation by using “and”, which is a more informal way to express a reproach.
Adverbials, like ANYWAY
Prepositional phrases, like AFTER ALL
A: So, in the end you have decided to join us then.
B: AFTER ALL, I had to be here ANYWAY.
Interjections, like WELL
Lexical phrases, like YOU KNOW
A: But I told you not to open the door, not for anybody!
B: WELL, I do have my own will, YOU KNOW.
Summary of Chapters
1. Function and position of discourse signals: Discusses how the meaning of these signals depends on their specific placement within the discourse and their role in structuring turns.
2. Interactional signals: Explains how signals like 'right' are used to initiate, sustain, or conclude conversations and their varied functions as gap-fillers.
3. Discourse markers: Details the various forms and roles of markers, focusing on their use as slot-fillers, their influence on common ground, and their ability to foreshadow conversational moves.
4. Other functions of discourse signals: Examines specific communicative tools including empathizers for engagement, hedges for mitigation, and stallers for managing potential breakdowns.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes how these markers enhance the liveliness and clarity of speech while warning against the negative effects of overuse.
Keywords
Discourse Signals, Interactional Signals, Discourse Markers, Slot-Fillers, Gap-Fillers, Conversational Moves, Common Ground, Empathizers, Hedges, Stallers, Pragmatics, Spoken Interaction, Linguistic Structure, Turn-taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this essay?
The essay explores the meaning, function, and positioning of discourse signals, investigating how they serve to organize spoken communication and indicate speaker attitude.
Which categories of discourse signals are analyzed?
The work distinguishes between 'interactional signals' and 'discourse markers', while also detailing specific sub-types like empathizers, hedges, and stallers.
What is the primary research goal?
The primary goal is to demonstrate how these signals function as tools for structuring discourse and helping interlocutors foresee utterance intentions.
Which methodology is employed in the analysis?
The author uses qualitative observation and discourse analysis of specific transcript examples to explain how signals change meaning based on their position in a conversation.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the role of signals as gap-fillers and slot-fillers, the correlation between discourse markers and conversational moves, and the social function of signals in maintaining common ground.
What characterizes these discourse signals?
They are characterized by their ability to mark boundaries, indicate speaker intentions, manage turn-taking, and enhance the smoothness and intimacy of social interaction.
How does the position of a signal change its meaning?
The essay argues that a signal's meaning shifts based on whether it appears as a turn on its own (a gap-filler) or as a structural component within a turn (a slot-filler or stage marker).
What role do 'stallers' play in communication?
Stallers are strategies used to avoid conversational breakdowns, allowing the speaker to hold the floor through verbal fillers, silent pauses, or repetitions while planning their next contribution.
How do discourse markers differ between friends and strangers?
Research cited in the text suggests that friends often use presentation markers because they share common ground, whereas strangers rely more on reception markers to ensure information is understood.
- Quote paper
- Catharina Kern (Author), 2006, Meaning and function of discourse signals, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/70887
