Vrunda Vasani

Paper VI – Structure of Modern English

2101033

Exploring the use of Discourse Markers in the television show

“F.R.I.E.N.D.S”

Abstract – This essay explores the intricate realm of discourse and the pivotal role played by
discourse markers in shaping effective communication. It unravels the various uses of
discourse and discourse markers in facilitating coherence and cohesion in spoken and written
language. They can also indicate what a speaker is doing on a variety of different platforms.
A new paragraph must be linked with the previous one in one or the other way. Hence, this
necessitates the use of discourse markers. Every discourse marker can be used for different
purposes to lay emphasis, present evidence or conclude a text. This paper also attempts to
shed light on the significant use of discourse markers used in the American sitcom,
“F.R.I.E.N.D.S” to smoothen the flow of conversation between the characters in the show, to
organise and link what they are saying, for better understanding and for making it coherent
and cohesive.

Key Words – discourse, markers, cohesion, coherence, linguistic.

Introduction –

What is Discourse?

Discourse, in the field of linguistics and communication, is a broad and multidimensional

concept that refers to extended units of connected language, the use of language beyond
single sentences, whether spoken or written, that convey meaningful information or engage in
communication. Discourse also takes place when ideas on a particular topic or subject, in a
formal or orderly way, are expressed by someone, either in writing or verbally.

It plays an essential role in the study of English language as it goes beyond single sentences
and explores how language functions in larger settings, revealing how people use language to
communicate, express ideas, and construct meaning in various social, cultural, and situational
settings. Michel Foucault, a French philosopher, literary critic and writer, is credited for
developing and popularising the concept of discourse as we know it today.

Two major contributors to the study of discourse are cohesion and coherence.

Cohesion –

Cohesion refers to the grammatical and lexical relationships that links different parts of a text
or discourse together. It involves the use of linguistic devices to construct links between
words, phrases, and sentences, helping to maintain a sense of unity and flow. To ensure that
discourse makes sense, cohesion is essential for guiding the reader or listener through the
text.

Examples of cohesive devices include –

i. Ellipsis – Omitting inessential words or phrases that can be concluded from context.
ii. Pronouns – Using words like "he," "she," "it," or "they" to refer back to previously
mentioned entities.
iii. Reference – Employing words like "this," "that," or "these" to refer to specific
elements in the text or context.
iv. Conjunctions – Using words like "and," "but," "or," and "because" to connect ideas
and show relationships between sentences.
v. Lexical Repetition – Repeating words or phrases for clarity and/or emphasis.

Coherence –

Coherence refers to the overall meaningful structuring of ideas and information in a text or
discourse. It involves the effective arrangement of ideas and information to ensure that the
text is easily comprehensible to the reader or listener. When there is a smooth and clear flow
of thought from one part of the text to the other, portraying that the ideas are logically
connected, coherence is achieved.

Examples of coherence include –

i. Logical Organization – Presenting ideas in a clear and logical order, with a beginning,
middle, and end.
 ii. Topic Maintenance – To make sure that the discourse maintains a consistent focus on
the main topic or subject.
iii. Relevance – Including only information that is relevant to the overall purpose or
message of the discourse.
iv. Transition Phrases – Using words or phrases that signal shifts in thought, such as "in
addition," "however," "on the other hand," to guide the reader or listener through the
text.

In summary, cohesion and coherence play a vital role in the study of discourse. Cohesion
deals with the linguistic devices that connect parts of the text, while coherence addresses the
overall meaningful organization and logical flow of ideas in the discourse, both of which
contribute to effective communication and understanding.

What are Discourse Markers?

Words or phrases that are used to establish connections and relationships between ideas,
words or phrases in a verbal or non-verbal mode of communication are known as discourse
markers. Discourse markers are used as tools to guide the readers and the listeners to clarify,
connect organise parts of text and conversation. Deborah Schiffrin, an American linguist,
introduced and popularised the term ‘discourse marker’ in 1987 in her book “Discourse
Markers”.

What is the purpose of discourse markers?

Words and phrases which we use in spoken and written English to organize and link the idea
or thoughts that need to be conveyed are discourse markers. The main purpose of discourse
markers is to establish smooth and clear connection between words and phrases. They are
also known as ‘transition words‘, ‘signal words’, ‘linking words’, or even ‘fillers’. Based on
their functions, discourse markers are categorised into various types.

Do discourse markers change the meaning of a sentence?

The intrinsic meaning of the phrase often remains the same, even after the use of discourse
markers. Although, they play a crucial role in logical linking of ideas and to achieve clarity.

For example, you could say:

“Sam has failed his exams. He will attempt for the exam again next year.”
Despite being grammatically and factually correct, the above sentences don’t really convey
the full message. Instead, you could say:

“Despite the fact that Sam failed his exams, he still will attempt for the exam again next
year.”

By adding these discourse markers, you are emphasizing Sam’s dedication to study for his
exams despite his failure – without having to directly state this.

Employing carefully chosen and purposefully placed discourse markers in formal settings,
essays or research papers, they help the reader to walk along through the author’s mind and
his thought process. When used well, discourse markers may also be able to convey a more
firm tone.

Types of discourse marker –

i. Comparing and contrasting – whereas, on the contrary, nevertheless, even though,

instead of, however, despite, notwithstanding.
ii. Similarities – analogous to, in a similar fashion, just as, equally, in the same way,
similarly, likewise.
iii. Addition – as well (as), additionally, furthermore, moreover, on top of this, besides,
and, to.
iv. Generalize – usually, in most cases, generally.
v. Giving examples – for example, for instance, such as, as we can see from, as shown
by, in particular, especially, to illustrate, namely.
vi. Cause and effect / reason – because, as a result of, thanks to, this has the effect of,
consequently, since, in that case, due to, in order to, so as to, for, as.
vii. Indicating time order –to begin with, first of all, secondly, then, after this, as long as,
presently, simultaneously, consequently.
viii. Emphasis – as a matter of fact, indeed, actually, I must admit, to be honest, worth
noting, to highlight.
ix. Reference – with reference to, alluding to, with respect to.
x. Conclusion – in conclusion, what this all means is, to wrap up, in summary, at last,
finally, at the end.
Analysis –
The visual media chosen for analysis of discourse markers is an American sitcom,
“F.R.I.E.N.D.S”. Given below are a few instances from the show which highlight the use of
discourse markers in everyday conversations of the characters.

Phoebe: Oh, I don't make them a lot because I don't think it's fair to the other cookies
Rachel: All right, well, you're right, these are the best oatmeal cookies I've ever had. (Season
1 Episode 12, The One with the Dozen Lasagnes)
‘All right’ functions to give response like okay and yeah. It presents a chance to the speaker
to get a support of what she has said before. Here, the marker serves as a beginner word of
the sentence.

Monica: Well, every, every Thanksgiving um, we used to have a touch football game called
the ‘Geller Bowl.’
Chandler: No, no, no, you say that proudly.
Monica: Anyway, Ross and I were always captains, and um, it got kind of competitive and
one year, Geller Bowl VI, I accidentally broke Ross’s nose. (Season 3 Episode 9, The One
with the Football)
Monica used ‘anyway’ to continue what she was saying. Instead of responding to what
Chandler commented on how Monica was proud of ‘Geller Bowl’, Monica started a new
topic of explaining that she and his brother were always captains.

Ross: That-that would be incredible. Thank you so much. I-I still can't believe someone ate
it!! I mean, look, I left a note and everything. (Season 5 Episode 9, The One with Ross’
Sandwich)
Ross used ‘I mean’ to show that he rephrased or repeated what had been said before. This is
done to lay more emphasis on his previously said sentence and to connect his upcoming
dialogue. This could help the listeners to understand his emotions and get a clearer picture of
the discourse.

Benjamin: Break up with Charlie!

Ross: What?
Benjamin: What?
Ross: Did you just say “Break up with Charlie”?
Benjamin: well, yes, and no. Yes I did say it, and no, I didn’t not say it. (Season 10 Episode
6, The One with Ross’s Grant,)
The ex-boyfriend of Ross’s girlfriend blurts out that he wants Ross to break up with Charlie.
In this case, Ross was naturally shocked and even felt offended. Benjamin, also aware of his
rudeness, wanted to say something to make up for it. So he added “well” in before
explaining. On one hand, he was not sure about how to organize his words, while on the other
hand, “well” played a role in alleviating the embarrassing situation.

Monica - Uh! It was awful. I guess some people don't appreciate really good food.
Chandler - Well, maybe it was the kind of food that tasted good at first...but then made
everybody vomit and have diarrhoea. (Season 5 Episode 5, The One with the Kips)
The use of ‘but then’ by Chandler lays stress and emphasis on his contrasting opinion about
Monica’s statement about her food.

Conclusion – In conclusion, this essay underscores the intrinsic connection between

discourse and discourse markers, showcasing their interdependent relationship in shaping
meaningful communication. By delving into the intricacies of discourse and exploring the
diverse functions of discourse markers, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the
dynamic interplay between language, context, and social interaction.
References –
https://www.netflix.com/in/title/70153404?
s=i&trkid=272211954&vlang=en&clip=81722254
https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/english/discourse/discourse-markers/
#:~:text=Discourse%20markers%20are%20words%20and,Discourse
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discourse_marker
https://www.neliti.com/publications/211204/discourse-markers-used-in-short-series-movie-
friends-and-its-relation-with-engli