DISCOURSE MARKERS IN SPOKEN ACADEMIC ENGLISH
Keywords:
Discourse markers, spoken academic English, pragmatics, coherence, interactional language, lecture discourse, academic communicationAbstract
Discourse markers are essential linguistic tools that contribute to coherence, interaction management, and pragmatic meaning in spoken academic English. They function beyond propositional content, guiding listeners through arguments, signaling relationships between ideas, and managing interpersonal dynamics in academic discourse. This article examines the role of discourse markers in spoken academic English, drawing on key theoretical frameworks and empirical studies. It explores how discourse markers such as however, well, you know, so, and actually function in lectures, seminars, and academic discussions. The study highlights their structural, cognitive, and interactional roles, and emphasizes their importance for both native and non-native speakers in higher education contexts.
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