Discourse markers
Objectives:
- Know what discourse markers are
- Identify when it is appropriate to use them
- Organize a conversation with the help of discourse markers
A discourse marker is a word or phrase that plays a role in managing the flow and
structure of discourse. It functions to organize discourse into segments, or extended
speech/writing to another, such as an introductory phrase or one that raises a new
point or counterpoint. In other words, Discourse markers are words and phrases
used in speaking and writing to 'signpost' discourse. Discourse markers do this by
showing turns, joining ideas together, showing attitude, and generally controlling
communication.
These markers are important in connecting parts of the discourse as well as
contributing to fluency. In addition, they guide the listener or reader in the
direction of the discourse. For example, they signal the speaker’s or writer’s desire
to open, carry on or close a conversation. They exist in both written as well as
conversational language, and there are both formal and informal markers.
It is important to know discourse markers because they are important clues in the
change of direction in a lecture, a conversation, or essay. For example, it can be
nearly impossible to enter or exit a conversation in English without some discourse
marker like “I just want to say…” or “Anyway…”. It is not uncommon for a student
to write in an essay: “Last time I checked” (as in “Last time I checked, we have
free speech in this country”), when the more appropriate marker would be “In my
experience…” or “To my knowledge…” in a formal paper. Knowing discourse
markers is important to fluency and appropriateness.
Common Discourse Markers in Writing
On the other hand… (to move to an opposing viewpoint)
In the case of… (to introduce an example)
In addition to… (to raise a new point or example)
From another perspective… (to introduce an opposing or different viewpoint)
Common Discourse Markers in Speech
a) As I was Saying… (to bring the conversation back to a former point)
b) Anyway… (to move on to another point or to close a conversation)
c) Here’s the thing/The thing is… (to raise an important issue)
d) I’m glad you brought that up because… (to add onto a point just raised)
e) At the end of the day... (to conclude an argument)
Discourse marker I:
As has been said above, a discourse marker is a word or phrase whose function is
to organize discourse into segments, for example ; well, I mean . Examples of
discourse markers are Adverbs and adverbial phrases.
An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, determiner, clause,
preposition, or sentence. Adverbs typically express manner, place, time, frequency,
degree, level of certainty, etc., answering questions such as how? in what way?
when?, where?, and to what extent?.
Discourse markers as responses
As we listen to someone speaking, we usually show our response to what we hear either by
gesture (head nod) or by a short response (Mm, yeah, really, that’s a shame). This shows that we
are listening to and are interested in what is being said. We call these short responses ‘response
tokens’.
Common response tokens include:
absolutely fine okay wow
quite (more
(all) right good yeah
formal)
certainly great really yes
definitely I see sure
exactly no wonderful
that’s great/interesting/amazing/awful, etc.
We use response tokens for a number of functions:
To show interest and to show that we want the speaker to continue
A:
So he opened the door.
B:
Yeah.
A:
And he went in very quietly without waking her.
B:
Right.
A:
He opened her bag and…
To show surprise
A:
We’ve decided to go to Africa for a month next year.
B:
Oh really!
Below is a more elaborate list of discourse markers, read through and try to create
sentences of your own.
Choose the correct word for each sentence - each is only used once.
moreover firstly
on the other hand whereas
at least then
however actually
besides though
1. I had a terrible day at work and lost my umbrella too. I
spoke to that nice guy who works in the coffee shop at last!
2. Television turns people into lazy couch potatoes. , there are
some educational programmes on.
3. , I would like to welcome you all to the conference today.
4. the film was a little boring, we still had a nice evening out.
5. I've always known Caroline as a mean person. , she lent me
$10 yesterday without me having to ask twice!
6. I got up at 9 o'clock yesterday and had a cold shower. , I had
breakfast and left for work.
7. My brother works in a large office I work on my own at home.
8. Why do you think I don't want to go out tonight. , I would be
delighted to get out of the house.
9. You should go to university as it gives you a chance to meet so many new
people. , it gives you the chance to get important qualifications
and get a better job.
10. I don't want to go to the football game. Football bores me and I don't
want to pay $40 for a ticket. , look at the weather! All that rain!
