Functioning Discourse Markers to Construct a Social Situation in Speech

Abstract

This study relates the discussion of discourse markers to their functions from a social context. It aims to identify discourse markers and analyze their function to construct a social situation in Steve Jobs’ speech delivered at Stanford Commencement Address. To analyze the data in this study, the researchers used a qualitative descriptive method. This study showed that the dominant discourse markers used were connective, followed by cause result, temporal adverb, and marker of response, respectively, in which the last marker was the least used. Furthermore, all discourse markers functioned to gain coherent message delivery in the speech by considering the “setting and scene," "participants," "ends,” “act sequence,” “key,” “instrumentalities,” “norms of interaction,” and “genre,” all of which were shortened in the acronym of “speaking.” Finally, based on its social situation, the present study is expected to broaden the understanding of discourse markers in a particular text.

Improving Students' Speaking Skills through Learning Media and the Mastery of Different Discourse Markers

“…Discourse markers are linguistic features that rely on their order and purpose to define segments of spoken language (Schiffrin, 1987). This finding aligns with previous studies that have demonstrated the role of discourse markers as strategic tools for organizing and structuring verbal communication at various levels, including interpersonal, referential, structural, and cognitive (Arya, 2020;Jayantini et al, 2022;Truong, 2022). Additionally, these studies have highlighted the significance of discourse markers in English conversations, facilitating effective communication and conveying the speaker's attitude.…”

“…Furthermore, the current body of research on the relationship between discourse markers and students' speaking skills is primarily focused on the effects of mastering discourse markers on speaking skills without considering the integration of learning media (Arya, 2020;Jayantini et al, 2022;Truong, 2022). The research findings below demonstrate that learning media, specifically scrabble words and flashcards, effectively enhances vocabulary acquisition.…”

Enhancing English Speaking Skills through Learning Media and Discourse Marker Mastery: A Quasi-Experimental Study

“…Further, the study highlights a broader issue which is about a substantial number of students show proficiency in using discourse markers compared to those who do not, underscoring a need for targeted educational strategies at MA Negeri 1 Serang. This finding aligns with multiple studies suggesting that understanding and using discourse markers effectively can enhance speaking skills (Arya, 2020;Aşik & Cephe, 2013;Jayantini et al, 2022;Sujarwati, 2017;Truong, 2022). However, it contrasts with research by Khamenei and Faruji (2020), who observed no significant effect of discourse markers on the speaking achievements of EFL students at an intermediate level.…”

Using Discourse Markers to Enhance Students’ Speaking Skills

“…Moreover, the existing research on the correlation between discourse markers and students' speaking skills primarily concentrates on the impact of acquiring discourse markers on Fung & Carter, 2007;Jayantini et al, 2022;Sujarwati, 2017;Truong, 2022). The research findings indicate that the use of discourse markers has positively influenced students' oral communication skills.…”

“…Successful speakers are those who have the ability to employ whole sentences and ensure coherence in their discourse. Discourse markers (DMs) function as connectors between ideas or topics in a speech to enhance its comprehensibility (Jayantini et al, 2022).…”