DISCOURSE MARKERS IN SPOKEN TEXTS IN PHILIPPINE ENGLISH

This study analyzed discourse markers in spoken texts in Philippine English in terms of functions using Fung and Carter’s (2007) core functional paradigm, and structures using Schiffrin’s (1987) discourse model. The International Corpus of English – Philippines (ICE-PHI) was used as source of language data used in this study. Discourse analysis was used to analyze the occurrence, functions and structures of discourse markers in spoken texts of ICE-Philippines. Results revealed that discourse markers in the spoken texts in Philippine English were classified as to: interpersonal (see, you see, you know/y’know, well, really, I think, sort of, ok/okay, yeah, I see, great, and oh); referential (because, but, yet, and, or so, anyway, and similarly); structural (now, ok/okay, right, first, second, next, then, so, now, how about, so and so); and cognitive (well, I think, I see, I guess, I mean, oh, like, well, sort of, and you know/y’know). Moreover, the following functions of discourse markers suggested by Fung and Carter (2007) were found in spoken texts in Philippine English: marking shared knowledge; indicating attitudes; showing responses; recognition display; cause; contrast; coordination; option/provision; consequence; digression; comparison; opening and closing of topics; sequence; topic shifts; summarizing options; continuation of topics; denoting thinking process; correction; elaboration; hesitation/uncertain; and assessment of listener’s knowledge about the utterances. Furthermore, discourse markers in spoken texts in Philippine English were also described as to ideational structure (topic-subtopic, topic relations, and functional relations), exchange structure (described through questions, answers, greetings, and feedback capabilities noted in the message), and action structure (requirement for action of the characters in the conversation or the speakers of the utterances in the conversation).