Functions of Discourse Markers in Nonnative English Speech: The Case of Arab English Speakers

This study examines the use and functions of discourse markers (DMs) in nonnative English speech produced by Arab English speakers. Four DMs (and, but, so, y’know) are analysed based on two theoretical frameworks: Schiffrin’s (1987) framework of functions of DMs and Schourup’s (1999) characterisation of DMs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Arab English speakers. The findings show clear patterns in the participants’ use of DMs. The marker and is mainly used for its ideational function, that is, for connecting ideas, events, and positions to keep the discourse together, while pragmatic functions, such as continuing an action or turn organisation, are less represented. But is mainly used for its ideational function, indicating contrastive ideas; less frequently, it is used for such pragmatic functions as returning to a topic, making disclaimers, reclaims, or showing functional contrasts. In contrast, so demonstrates a broader range of functions; while it occasionally marks results at the ideational level, it is extensively utilised pragmatically for marking claims, compliance, requests, and topic transitions, as well as managing turn initiation and adjacency pairs. y’know is used for such pragmatic functions as organising shared knowledge, signalling significant information or disapproval in stories, and appealing. Overall, the findings in the study suggest that, in the narrative register, when using DMs, Arab English speakers rely chiefly on their ideational functions. In contrast, their pragmatic functions are used much less, except for so and y’know, which also show more diversified functions.