The Discourse Markers 'Olha' And 'Viu' And Their Pragmatic Functions In Language Use

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate and describe the pragmatic contexts of the discourse markers "olha" and "viu" in vernacular language, identifying patterns of functioning through a functionalist analysis of these phenomena. Theoretical Framework: The main theoretical concepts guiding this research are rooted in a functional approach to language, based on a dynamic conception of language (Bybee, 2016), where use, discourse, and grammar interrelate in linguistic structuring. Additionally, we mapped what key authors (Risso, Silva, and Urbano, 2006; Brinton, 2017; and Traugott, 2022) in the field say about discourse markers, concluding that these elements are multifunctional; although optional from a syntactic perspective, they play an essential discourse-pragmatic role, considering their thetic nature of monitoring and regulating interaction. Method: We adopted a mixed methodology (Cunha Lacerda, 2016), which includes a qualitative and quantitative approach. The study design involves analyzing the phenomenon based on data samples drawn from three corpora: the Corpus of Cultured Portuguese of Vitória da Conquista (PCVC), the Corpus of Popular Portuguese of Vitória da Conquista (PPVC), and the Linguistic Corpus of Ibicoara. These corpora contain a total of 591,425 words from oral interviews following Labovian standards. For data analysis, we used the freeware AntConc, a corpus analysis tool required for linguistic studies, allowing for detailed searches and analyses. After data collection and quantification, we proceeded to an interpretative analysis of each occurrence found. Results and Discussion: Data collection revealed a total of 284 occurrences, of which 147 were for the marker "olha" and 137 for "viu." Pragmatically, these markers demonstrated multifunctionality through six distinct functions, namely: prefacing: delaying or deviating from the expected initial response by the interlocutor; argumentation: marking the speaker's position in presenting or defending a viewpoint and inviting the interlocutor to share it; reported speech: introducing a reported statement in another communicative context; interjection: a phatic function indicating the speaker's feelings; seeking discursive approval: the speaker's request for approval from the interlocutor to continue the discourse; and feedback: complementing the quest for discursive approval and expressing a clear orientation of the listener toward the speaker through attentive engagement with the interlocutor's speech. These data allow us to affirm that the markers are indeed multifunctional and, from a discursive perspective, essential for constructing meaning. Research Implications: We aim to significantly impact the field of linguistic studies from a functionalist perspective based on usage, as well as its discussion in the context of regular education. Teachers can use this study to enhance classroom discussions on issues related to the oral modality of the language, reflecting on aspects of linguistic (in)adequacy as well as paradigmatic analysis. This study also suggests that linguistic discussions should be based on a broad approach that considers extralinguistic aspects. Originality/Value: This study contributes to linguistic discussions that extend beyond syntactic structure relations. By considering discourse markers as thetic elements, we shed light on the discursive aspect of language and how discourse markers function multifunctionally to structure meaning. In this regard, we understand markers as essential elements in the oral modality of language based on their pragmatic functioning, while also hoping to contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding these elements due to a lack of a more in-depth approach in the prescriptive compendiums present in classrooms.