Textual Pragmatic Markers in the Speech of Jordanian University Students...

This study aimed at investigating the use of textual English pragmatic markers (PMs) as used by Jordanian university students by adopting a functional-pragmatic approach to explore the functions of these PMs. It also examined the effect of gender on the use of textual PMs. Participants were ۱۰ fourth-year university students (۵ males and ۵ females) who studied Translation at Isra Private University. Online interviews, storytelling activities, and a short questionnaire were used to elicit data from the participants. The data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively in light of the study’s research questions.  The study revealed that the functions of textual markers are: marking contrast, elaborating, reformulating and exemplifying, showing temporal sequence, indicating inferential or conclusive relationships and summaries, signaling shifts or transition of discourse and continuation of discourse, and signaling the opening or closing of opening or closing of discourse. In relation to the use of textual PMs, the results showed that there were no significant differences between males and females.

Keywords:

Linguistic adaption , pragmatic function , Pragmatic markers , Relevance Theory , textual marker