The Impact of Discourse Markers on Written and Oral Discourse

1. The Impact of Discourse Markers on Written and Oral Discourse

Discourse markers are important for fluency in English at an advanced level. They are important elements of speech and writing for living and working in English-speaking countries. When speaking or in informal writing such as emails or texts to friends, the following discourse markers are often used. There are many of course, but here are some of the most common.

• Anyway marks a shift away from a topic. It’s sold out, anyway, I didn’t want to go.

• Actually indicates that what you are saying is a surprise to you or is the opposite of what might be imagined or introduces the opposite response to what someone wants or expects.

For example:

I thought I didn’t like dance shows but actually, I quite enjoyed it.

Actually, I’d prefer if you didn’t smoke in here.

• As I was saying / As I said is used to continue a theme after a change of subject. As I was saying before I was interrupted, I’d like to go to the cinema. As I said last week, I don’t enjoy opera.

• Absolutely is used as a stronger way of saying yes.

A. Would you like a holiday in Thailand?

B. Absolutely, when do we go?

• Exactly is used to emphasise what you mean.

For example:

What exactly are you talking about?

Exactly, that’s what I meant.

• Okay or OK indicates that everything is understood or agreed.

For example:

Okay, I get it. [Bill Mascul, 4]

Discourse markers for more formal writing situations organise your text logically. They are typical when writing formal letters or when writing essays or reports, especially at work. They will also be used in formal speaking situations, such as presentations or speeches.

• Firstly, secondly, thirdly organise your points logically. Firstly we need to reduce prices on the products. Secondly, we need to upgrade the channel to market etc. etc.

• Finally marks the final point of a list. Finally I want to talk about the environment.

• To begin with gives the start.

• In addition provides extra information. In addition to my earlier point, we also need to think about delivery.

• In conclusion marks the summary and round up of your essay or speech. In conclusion, I have demonstrated that savings will be 10%.

• In summary is another way to mark the conclusion. In summary, the average costs will reduce. Formal discourse makers are vital in academic and business texts as they organise the sequencing and connections. [Alex Markham, 1]

To sum up, we underline that the discourse markers are the “glues” that bind together some part of the sentences or texts. Different discourse markers express different relationships between ideas. The discourse markers are used as well to add variety to someone’s speech.