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The Road Signs of English |
If you are driving a car, you will probably see many
traffic or road signs. They provide information about
how fast to go, which way to turn and whether a road
ends or begins.
Languages also have signs that provide direction when
speaking to others or writing. In English, we call these
words “discourse markers.” Think of them as road signs
for language.
We use discourse markers to signal a beginning or end of
a conversation, list the order of ideas, react to a
speaker, change the subject and do other things.
In other Everyday Grammar programs, we talked about such
markers as “you know,” “well” and “okay.” Today, we will
examine a few uses of discourse markers in informal,
natural speech.
Everyday, natural speech
Some are used only used in informal speech, while others
are for formal writing and speech.
You hear and see informal markers in conversations, text
messages, songs, classrooms and on broadcast programs
and social media.
Let us hear how they sound in a short conversation
between two friends. In the following exchange, you will
hear the markers “hey,” “by the way,” “let’s see” and
“so.” Think about the purpose of each one:
Hey, Tasha! How is it going?
Good! I haven’t seen you in weeks. How have you been?
Busy, but great! By the way, what are you doing tomorrow
night?
Let me see. I am planning on voting tomorrow afternoon
but will be free after that! What did you have in mind?
So, there is a book signing at Dream Bean coffee house
tomorrow at 6 o’clock. Want to come?
That sounds great!
Did you catch the purpose of each?
The word “hey” is used to get the attention of the
listener. In this case, it is also a very informal way
of saying hello. English speakers use “by the way” and
“so” to lead into a statement or question. But the words
“by the way” inform the listener of a change in
direction of the conversation. Lastly, the words “let’s
see” show that the speaker is trying to remember
something.
Use 1: starting a conversation
Now, let’s talk about four uses of discourse markers.
I just used one in the last sentence. Did you catch it?
It was the word “now.” We use it and other words and
phrases to mark the start of a conversation or announce
an idea. “Now” can introduce the idea or show a change
in subject.
In Everyday Grammar programs, you have heard us use the
markers “now,” “okay,” “so” and “alright.” These all
tell the listener to pay attention because the speaker
may offer a new piece of information.
Use 2: ending a conversation
Some of the same discourse markers are also used to end
a conversation. For example, one might use the words
“okay” or “alright” to inform the listener you will soon
finish what you are saying. Take a listen:
Just saw your message. Alright, I’m late for a meeting.
I will call you later. I have got to go!
Another word we often use is “anyway.” Here is the same
example with that word:
Just saw your message. Anyway, I’m late for a meeting. I
will call you later. I have got to go!
Use 3: changing the subject
Now, let’s turn to useful words and phrases for changing
the subject. Notice I used “now” to move to another part
of today’s subject.
You may have noticed the flexibility of some discourse
markers. Some have more than one use. But be careful:
Others do not.
“Anyway” is an example of a flexible marker. English
speakers not only use it to suggest a conversation’s
end. We also use it to signal that we will start talking
about something else.
And, as you heard earlier, “by the way” is an effective
phrase for quickly changing direction.
Another phrase is “That reminds me.” When someone has
just said or done something that helps us remember
something else, one might say, “That reminds me.”
Here is how it might be used:
Hey, do you know what the dinner special is?
Yeah, it’s teriyaki chicken.
Oh, that reminds me, I forgot to take the chicken out of
my freezer!
Use 4: responding to speaker
Other discourse markers assure speakers that the
listener is paying attention to what they are saying.
They can show interest in, surprise at, excitement for
or agreement with what the speaker is saying.
Words that show interest include “yeah” and “I see.” “Oh
really” and “really” usually show surprise. And
“exactly” and “right” show agreement. Here’s an example
of a speaker showing agreement:
I hate riding the 43 bus! It is crowded and really
stinks.
Exactly! That is why I take the train.
Okay, well, now that you have learned some road signs of
the English language, we hope you will drive safely!
I’m Alice Bryant.
Alice Bryant wrote this story for Learning English.
George Grow was the editor. |
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Additional Information |
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Reference |
| Start conversation |
End conversation |
Introduce idea |
Change subject |
Respond to speaker |
| Hey, so, well |
Alright, anyway, okay |
Now, okay |
By the way, that reminds me,
now |
Yeah, I see, really, oh really,
exactly, right |
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Source: Voice of America |
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